After a week of intensive work in Nairobi, Kenya, the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) came to an end, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts between nations to effectively address climate change. This biennial meeting culminated in the approval of 15 resolutions, in addition to two mentions and a ministerial declaration. The ministerial statement, which was produced following a meeting attended by more than 70 Environment Ministers on Thursday, reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation to align climate policies within their respective countries.
In this article we tell you everything you need to know about UNEA-6 and what should be done to protect the environment.
What is the United Nations Environment Assembly
The United Nations Environment Assembly is an international meeting that brings together representatives from various countries to discuss and make decisions on issues related to the protection and conservation of the environment at a global level. This event offers a platform where countries can exchange ideas, share best practices and collaborate in finding solutions to the environmental challenges facing our planet.
During the Assembly, a wide range of environmental issues are addressed, such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, air and water pollution, among others. Participants work together to develop policies, agreements and strategies to address these issues effectively and sustainably.
UNEA-6 Resolutions
Among the approved resolutions, measures to combat sand and dust storms, the responsible management of chemical waste and the consideration of environmental factors in the extraction of minerals and metals stand out. The president of the summit, Leila Benali, who is also Moroccan Minister of Ecological Transition, expressed his inspiration by addressing pressing issues such as air pollution and sandstorms, which often go unnoticed. Furthermore, the promotion of sustainable lifestyles, ranging from critical minerals to the impact of armed conflict, is a key focus of this UNEA meeting.
Expressing satisfaction with the summit, Benali emphasized the importance of the event in showcasing the resilience of multilateralism during these difficult times. He recognized the prevailing threats to multilateralism and highlighted the success of UNEA-6 in exemplifying the true potential of this approach.
Underlining the importance of the “social and environmental aspect”, the Moroccan minister stressed in her final conclusions that the need for critical minerals in The energy transition will increase by 400% between now and 2030. Consequently, it considers it crucial to prioritize the extraction of metals and minerals with careful consideration of the social and environmental implications.
Adapting to climate change in the midst of conflict
One of the most pressing issues that should draw the president's attention is Ukraine's request for environmental aid in conflict-affected regions. Similarly, Benali passionately advocated for a ceasefire in both Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for peace.
At the press conference, Benali emphasized the importance of addressing environmental challenges at their core, particularly in conflict-ridden areas. He highlighted that this year half of the world's population will exercise their democratic right to elect leaders. Despite the devastation caused by the ongoing crises, Benali expressed optimism about the potential of multilateralism and affirmed that we have demonstrated our ability to make it effective.
In this regard, Inger Andersen, director of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), highlighted the importance of the third resolution of the environmental summit on conflicts. Additionally, she highlighted UNEP's extensive track record in conducting 25 environmental assessments, covering conflict and post-conflict situations, such as those carried out in Gaza in 2006 and 2014.
Andersen concluded by stating that they have comprehensively assessed the devastation of agricultural land and infrastructure, as well as waste management and soil contamination by chemicals. Over the past two decades, there have been numerous cases of oil and gas infrastructure being attacked and destroyed through bombing. Unfortunately, They have accumulated a significant amount of experience in this particular area.
A bullet is saved against plastics
The Assembly's notable achievement lies in its ability to avoid any setbacks in the quest for a binding global agreement to combat plastic pollution. Despite facing opposition from specific nations, environment ministers from the 193 UN member countries have reaffirmed their commitment to uphold Resolution 5/14. This resolution calls for the establishment of an intergovernmental negotiating committee tasked with promoting a global treaty on plastics, which was approved at UNEA-5 in 2022.
Although multiple meetings have been called to try to reach an agreement, no resolution has been reached so far. The matter will be further discussed at a fourth intergovernmental meeting scheduled for April in Ottawa, Canada, and subsequently at a fifth intergovernmental meeting in Busan, South Korea, which will take place from November 25 to December 1 of this year.
Diluting efforts to establish a plastics treaty has generated alarm among environmental organizations. Hellen Kahaso Dena, leader of Greenpeace Africa's Pan-African Plastics Project, expressed concern about the attempt by certain countries to scale back agreed language aimed at eliminating plastic pollution by 2040. This reduction in ambition and refusal to recognize the connection between chemicals and the climate crisis are discouraging.
Under the leadership of Oman's Environment Minister Abdullah Bin Ali Amri, the next United Nations Environment Assembly is scheduled for 2026.
As you can see, there are a lot of efforts being made to combat climate change and improve environmental protection. I hope that with this information you can learn more about what was discussed at UNEA-6 and what repercussions it will have.