UN Environment Assembly convenes in Kenya to tackle environmental challenges

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – The world's most powerful UN environmental decision-making body started its sixth session on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya.

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) comes at a time when the world faces a "triple planetary crisis" of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

Leila Benali, the president of UNEA-6, acknowledged the challenging circumstances, said: “We are living in a time of turmoil.” She said the current turbulent times marked by escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions call for the urgent need to restore trust in multilateralism and humanity.

“Our response here in UNEA-6 must demonstrate that multilateral diplomacy can deliver,” she added, urging the participants to "restore trust in multilateralism, and humanity.”

Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), echoed this sentiment in her opening remarks.

“The world is watching and we need that unity to safeguard planet Earth,” she said.

Andersen urged delegates to focus on measures that promote climate justice, enhance air and water quality, and strengthen ocean governance.

This year's assembly boasts a record number of attendees, including heads of state, ministers, and over 5,000 representatives from governments, civil society, and the private sector.

The summit this year will also feature the voices of the younger generation, who issued a strong declaration at the Youth Environment Assembly just a week ago.

The week-long (5-day) assembly will tackle a range of pressing environmental issues through 19 draft resolutions and two draft decisions currently on the table.

These resolutions aim to address various environmental problems such as transitioning to net-zero emissions, improving air and water quality, protecting oceans and marine environments, and building resilience to droughts and other climate-related disasters.