26TH February – 1st March, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya
By Shweta Tyagi*
OPENING:
The sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) began on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. During the opening of UNEA-6, President Leila Benali from Morocco emphasized the impact of major global conflicts, the rise of populist movements due to upcoming elections, and the opportunity UNEA-6 presents to restore trust in multilateralism and humanity.
The theme of “Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution“ was set for UNEA-6. It provided a moment to advance the global environmental agenda. During the opening session of UNEA-6, regional groups expressed their appreciation for the adoption of various global frameworks and agreements concerning biodiversity, chemicals, and marine biodiversity conservation. Additionally, they engaged in discussions regarding ongoing efforts, such as negotiations surrounding an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. Beyond regional groups, a multitude of other stakeholders, including major groups such as Business and Industry, Children and Youth, Farmers, Indigenous Peoples, Local Authorities, NGOs, Scientific and Technological communities, and Women, actively participated by presenting their unique perspectives and recommendations aimed at addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
This diverse array of viewpoints and recommendations underscored the comprehensive nature of discussions at UNEA-6, reflecting a collective call for concerted action to confront the triple planetary crisis and propel environmental sustainability forward.
The Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly concluded on 1 March 2024 with the adoption of 15 resolutions, two decisions and a Ministerial Declaration. Despite intense work over the two weeks in OECPR, CoW, and later in informal consultations, four draft resolutions were withdrawn by the proponents:
- Solar Radiation Modification (SRM), submitted by Guinea, Monaco, Senegal, and Switzerland;
- Development of criteria, norms, standards and guidelines for nature-based solutions to support sustainable development, submitted by Cameroon;
- Effective, Inclusive and Sustainable Multilateral Actions towards Climate Justice, submitted by Sri Lanka; and
- Stepping up efforts for enhancing the circular economy transition domestically, regionally and globally, submitted by EU
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED:
- Circularity of a resilient and low-carbon sugar cane agro-industry
- Amendments to the Instrument for the Establishment of the Restructured Global Environment Facility
- Enhancing the role and viability of regional forums of environment ministers and United Nations Environment Programme regional offices in achieving multilateral cooperation in tackling environmental challenges
- Promoting synergies, cooperation or collaboration for national implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other relevant environmental instruments
- Environmental aspects of minerals and metals
- Fostering national action to address global environmental challenges through increased cooperation between the United Nations Environment Assembly, the United Nations Environment Programme and multilateral environmental agreements
- Combating sand and dust storms
- Promoting sustainable lifestyles
- Sound management of chemicals and waste
- Promoting regional cooperation on air pollution to improve air quality globally
- Highly hazardous pesticides
- Environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflict
- Effective and inclusive solutions for strengthening water policies to achieve sustainable development in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution
- Strengthening international efforts to combat desertification and land degradation, restore degraded land, promote land conservation and sustainable land management, contribute to land degradation neutrality and enhance drought resilience [English only]
- Strengthening ocean efforts to tackle climate change, marine biodiversity loss and pollution
DECISIONS TAKEN:
- Management of trust funds and earmarked contributions
- Provisional agenda, dates and venue of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
Joint Global Statement of Major Groups and Stakeholders for the 6th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6)
A Joint Global Statement for the 6th UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) was presented by Major Groups and Stakeholders based on consultations and forums. The focus on tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution was welcomed, along with the recognition of the urgent need for international action to address these systemic threats to sustainable development.
Nations fail to agree ban or research on solar geo-engineering
At the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) in Nairobi, some governments led by the African Group of countries wanted to ban SRM, while others led by Switzerland had pushed to set up an expert panel to research the nascent approach. However, no agreement was reached on how the United Nations should regulate controversial solar radiation management (SRM) techniques.
UN Environment Assembly Calls for Action to End the Use of the World’s Most Toxic Pesticides by 2035
The U.N. Environment Assembly (UNEA) called for action by 2035 to eliminate the use of the world’s most toxic pesticides globally. These chemicals, known as highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs), pose serious threats to health and the environment.
Empty Efforts to Derail Plastics Treaty Negotiations at UNEA-6 Fail
Efforts to derail plastics treaty negotiations at UNEA-6 failed, and the mandate to advance negotiations for a global plastics treaty was reaffirmed despite opposition from some countries.
UN Environment Assembly advances collaborative action on triple planetary crisis
United action is deemed the superpower needed to address the triple planetary crisis, a pressing emergency that intensifies with each passing day. Biodiversity loss undermines economies and jeopardizes the well-being of billions, while pollution claims nine million lives annually. Rising sea levels, droughts, and floods pose existential risks for entire nations. In its Global Risk Report 2024, the World Economic Forum identified extreme weather as the foremost risk for the upcoming year, surpassing armed conflict and economic downturns. A major global report by UNEP’s International Resource Panel, released this week, highlights that the unsustainable extraction, processing, and utilization of material resources for the global economy constitute the primary driver of the planetary crisis.
MEA Day:
UNEA-6 highlighted the importance of cooperation with multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), with more than 170 ministers participating in discussions during a High-level Segment featuring leadership dialogues and a multi-stakeholder dialogue. Speakers underscored the significance of MEAs in addressing the triple planetary crisis, fostering environmental diplomacy, and revitalizing multilateralism. They emphasized stakeholder engagement, the identification of synergies among MEAs, and platforms for collaboration and information exchange and the need for collective will to address environmental challenges.
Strengthening Science-Policy Interface:
Discussions centered on establishing a science-policy panel to enhance chemical and waste management and pollution prevention. Speakers emphasized integrating traditional knowledge and fostering two-way communication between scientists and policymakers.
Enhancing Cooperation:
Speakers highlighted national action and stakeholder engagement as crucial for integrated implementation. Challenges such as communication gaps among ministries and funding constraints were addressed, with calls for discussions on private sector involvement and innovative funding sources.
Opportunities for Integration:
Opportunities for integrated action, particularly in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the Global Framework on Chemicals, were emphasized. Collaboration among UN agencies and the need for a systems approach were highlighted as key strategies for effective MEA implementation. This urgency was not only about saving the planet but also about meeting the imminent deadline of UNEA-6.
Leadership Dialogue:
The session focused on leveraging science, data, and digitalization to transition to a sustainable future. Speakers emphasized the importance of turning scientific findings into actionable policies and incorporating diverse perspectives and knowledge systems into decision-making processes.
Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue:
Speakers emphasized the need for collaborative efforts across society to address environmental challenges effectively. They highlighted the importance of empowering marginalized groups, fostering innovative partnerships, and ensuring transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. Overall, the discussions underscored the urgent need for collective action to tackle environmental crises and build a more sustainable future.
REPORT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
In her report, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen outlined six key areas where the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly may seek to promote more effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral action:
1. Implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
2. Advancing integrated approaches for achieving a water-secure world
3. Ensuring responsible mining practices and promoting sustainable minerals and metals use
4. Enhancing cooperation concerning nutrients, particularly phosphorus
5. Reviewing climate-altering technologies and measures
6. Aligning the financial system with sustainability goals
UN Environment Assembly adopts India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) recently adopted a resolution on sustainable lifestyles put forward by India during its sixth session in Nairobi, Kenya. Co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia, the resolution underscores the importance of adopting planet-friendly living practices, a concept championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement. The resolution reaffirms commitments outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, emphasizing the need for integrated, indivisible, and interdependent actions. It highlights the significance of ensuring that all individuals have access to relevant information and education for sustainable development, fostering lifestyles in harmony with nature. Recognizing the potential of behavioral changes toward sustainable lifestyles, the resolution acknowledges the role of various stakeholders including the private sector, industry, local authorities, communities, and Indigenous peoples. It emphasizes the eradication of poverty as crucial for sustainable development and stresses the importance of education and skills in promoting sustainable consumption and production. Furthermore, the resolution calls for collaboration among member states, international organizations, NGOs, the private sector, and other stakeholders to create enabling conditions for sustainable lifestyles. It encourages the sharing of information, best practices, and research to facilitate the adoption of sustainable living practices. Additionally, the resolution requests the UNEP Executive Director, in partnership with UN Regional Commissions, to conduct regional dialogues on sustainable lifestyle practices. These dialogues aim to explore diverse approaches, including ecocentric approaches, and to promote living in harmony with nature.
Conclusion:
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) has been marked by significant progress and collaborative efforts towards promoting sustainable lifestyles and addressing environmental challenges. With the adoption of India’s resolution on sustainable lifestyles, co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia, UNEA-6 reaffirmed its commitment to the principles outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Throughout the session, global leaders and stakeholders emphasized the importance of behavioral changes, education, and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. The resolution recognizes the role of various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, local communities, and Indigenous peoples, in fostering sustainable living practices. Furthermore, the resolution calls for enhanced cooperation and information sharing among member states and stakeholders to create enabling conditions for sustainable lifestyles. Regional dialogues on sustainable lifestyle practices, as proposed in the resolution, aim to explore diverse approaches and promote harmony with nature.
As UNEA-6 draws to a close, it leaves behind a legacy of renewed commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The progress made during this session sets the stage for continued efforts towards building a greener, more sustainable future for all.
*Chief Functionary, India Water Foundation
