More than 7,000 delegates from 182 countries are expected to attend the Sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), which runs until Friday.
Delegates are convening in Kenya's capital as climate change intensifies, one million species face extinction and pollution remains the world's leading cause of premature death.
Everyone affected
“We've all felt and seen the effects “Scorching heat, violent storms, disappearing nature and species, collapsing soils, deadly polluted air, and oceans filled with plastic waste,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Stated. Opening press statement.
These impacts will fall hardest on the poor and vulnerable, who are least responsible, but no one will be spared, she added.
UNEA is the world's highest decision-making body on the environment, and its members include all 193 United Nations member states. It was created in 2012 as an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) held in Brazil.
Setting global priorities
The General Assembly meets every two years to set global environmental policy priorities and develop international environmental law. The decisions and resolutions taken there also define the work of his Nairobi-based UNEP.
This year, the focus will be on negotiating solutions for a variety of issues, from nature-based solutions and dangerous pesticides to land degradation and drought. There will also be a lively discussion on the changing environmental aspects of minerals and metals.
What diplomacy can achieve
“we live in times of turmoil. And I know there are people in this room who are deeply affected by this mess, or who know about it. Our response must demonstrate that multilateral diplomacy can deliver.” said Leila Benali, President of UNEA-6 and Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco.
Ms. Andersen speaking at the opening plenary session I got it. The conference will include the voices of civil society, indigenous peoples, women and businesses, as well as the “voices of young people”.
ambitious environmental activities
At UNEA-6, countries will consider some 19 draft resolutions as part of a broader push to foster more ambitious multilateral environmental action.
The resolution also addresses issues such as regulating solar radiation. Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral action towards climate justice. Appropriate management of chemicals and waste, sandstorms and dust storms.
Andersen cited some of the benefits that could help achieve this, including accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions, improving air and water quality, and building resilience to drought.
He urged delegates to “develop a strong resolution that can have a real impact. This will meet the needs of many people already struggling under the burden of the triple planetary crisis.” And thatStrengthening the environmental foundations for building a peaceful, just and sustainable future”