UNEA-7: Why multilateral environmental action matters more than ever

Delegates from around the world have gathered in Nairobi for the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the world's highest-level decision-making body on environmental issues. At a moment when geopolitical tensions threaten cooperation and environmental risks are accelerating, this year's assembly asks a profound question: Can global environmental governance still deliver?

Ma Jun, Director of China's Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs and Ali-Said Matano, Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health, Environment and Water Services, Kenya, unpack the stakes and opportunities.

1. What can UNEA-7 deliver?

As countries debate resolutions on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Matano emphasized that UNEA must provide clearer direction than ever:

"We expect the resolutions to provide clear global priorities on the triple planetary crisis, climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution."

He outlined key outcomes African nations hope to see:

Accelerated phase-out of high-risk pollutants

Strong action on plastics and pesticide use, especially in developing countries

Ambitious commitments on ecosystem restoration

Better funding and support mechanisms for vulnerable regions

He stressed UNEA must adapt to remain relevant:

"The mandate of UNEA still matters, but dynamism and pragmatism are now required more than any other time."

2. How China's "Ecological Civilization" is shaping global negotiations?

Fresh from COP30 in Belém, Brazil, Ma Jun noted that China's environmental strategies are increasingly influencing developing countries:

"This time, the China Pavilion was full of foreign participants, especially from the Global South, eager to learn from China's ecological civilization model."

He highlighted China's integrated approach:

Air and water pollution controls that delivered rapid improvements

Massive reforestation efforts

Alignment of climate action with economic development through renewable energy, EVs, and advanced manufacturing

"It's not climate action for climate's sake. It's for real benefits to society."

3. Is multilateralism breaking down?

Dr. Matano rejected the notion of collapse:

"What we are witnessing is not a breakdown, but a reflection of emerging national interests, geopolitical realignment, and negotiation fatigue."

Ma Jun agreed, noting the tension, but also the progress:

"The credibility of multilateral mechanisms is being undermined, but multilateralism is still our best hope."

4. Africa's agenda

As the host continent, Africa is leveraging UNEA-7 to amplify its voice.

"We are using this assembly as a strategic platform to shape global environmental priorities and ensure equity in climate action," said Dr. Matano.

He underscored Africa's growing influence:

Unified continental positions

Strengthened regional blocs

Moral authority as the least-emitting yet most-impacted region

Africa aims to advance:

Green industrialization

Circular economy models

Adaptation financing reforms

Blue economy protection

Safeguards for water basins and ecological hotspots

5. China-Africa partnership

Ma Jun outlined new, more sustainable collaboration models:

"The most promising models now aim for structural transformation, value-chain upgrading, and resilience."

Emerging cooperation areas include:

Green energy co-development

Agro-industrial parks

Digital ecosystems

Joint investment and co-management frameworks

But the ultimate success metric is human capital:

"The real test is whether this partnership fosters a new generation of African experts, managers, and entrepreneurs."