The United Nations Environment Assembly - UNEA-6- is meeting in Nairobi to find solutions to climate change, pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Representatives from governments, civil society, scientists, and the private sector are attending.

In the meeting, member states are discussing 19 draft resolutions. These resolutions cover various issues. If adopted, countries will implement agreed-upon measures to resolve environmental challenges.

Calls for Multilateralism

Leila Benali from is the UNEA-6 President.  She is the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development in Morocco.  She has highlighted three crucial points shaping the assembly's agenda: global conflicts, the rise of populist movements, and multilateralism.

Countries will discuss the opportunity to build on past agreements like the Minamata Convention and the Montreal Protocol. These agreements serve as models for successful international collaboration on environmental challenges.

Unity and Action

Inger Andersen is the Executive Director of the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP). She has urged delegates to present strong resolutions around peace, equitability, and sustainability.

“None of us live on an island,” she said. “The only way we can solve some of these problems is by talking together.”

At UNEA-6, 19 draft resolutions are on the table.  These cover diverse issues, including reforestation, achieving net-zero emissions, and protecting marine environments.

Achieving consensus remains a challenge due to different national priorities. However, Andersen notes that there is generally a positive movement on all draft resolutions for this year’s assembly.

Commitment to Sustainable Environmental Stewardship

Zainab Hawa Bangura is the Director-General of the UN Office in Nairobi (UNON). She has called for more commitment towards sustainable environmental stewardship.

She has outlined plans for the environmentally sustainable refurbishment of the Nairobi campus. She has presented potential solutions to reforestation, solar energy, and waste management.

Key Agreements

Various regional groups have welcomed key agreements, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Global Framework on Chemicals, and the agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity.

Regional Perspectives and Global Impact

Representatives from various major groups have shared their perspectives. These include people from business and industry, children and youth, farmers, Indigenous peoples, local authorities, NGOs, scientific and technological organizations, and women.

They have discussed hazardous pesticides, youth involvement, protecting Indigenous Peoples' rights, and advocating for gender equity.

The private sector

The Business and Industry group has emphasized the private sector's role in making significant investments to address global environmental challenges and create sustainable jobs.

Youth participation

The Children and Youth group has reported on the Youth Environmental Assembly and called for its institutionalization.

Indigenous perspectives

The Indigenous Peoples Major Group has emphasized respecting Indigenous Peoples' collective rights.

Solar radiation

The Local Authorities group expressed concerns about solar radiation modification. They warned against the lack of integrated environmental policies, calling for greater inclusivity.

Global peace

The NGO group has called for protecting Mother Earth, emphasizing that "peace is not a word, but a behavior."

Open-air tests

The Scientific and Technological group has called for stronger language in resolutions. The experts reiterate calls for banning solar radiation modification and open-air tests.

Gender inclusivity

The Women Major group the phase-out of highly hazardous chemicals and the inclusion of language on gender equity and women's knowledge in sustainable practices.

Rights of nature

The Regional Facilitator for West Asia stressed the importance of food sovereignty and recognizing the rights of nature, considering ongoing human rights violations globally.

The United Nations Environment Programme expects to have about 7,000 attendees at the talks.  The meeting will conclude on Friday.

Critics anticipate slow progress on complex issues such as financing for chemicals and waste. Expectations include potential strong opposition to draft resolutions aiming to phase out hazardous pesticides.