UN environment assembly wraps up with resolutions adopted to build a more resilient planet

The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya, with member states adopting a series of resolutions aimed at advancing solutions for a more resilient planet. 

Held under the theme "Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet," the assembly approved 11 resolutions, three decisions and a ministerial declaration, addressing what the UN has described as the world's triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. About 6,000 delegates from governments, international organizations, civil society and the private sector attended the meeting. 

The adopted resolutions call on countries to step up action in a range of areas, including coral reef protection, responsible management of minerals and metals, chemicals and waste governance, the sustainable application of artificial intelligence, international cooperation on wildfire response, glacier protection and addressing harmful algal blooms.

The assembly also endorsed a ministerial declaration, reaffirming commitments to sustainable solutions and to fulfilling obligations under multilateral environmental agreements. The declaration emphasizes the principles of fairness and inclusiveness, ensuring broad participation in environmental decision-making.

In addition, UNEA approved the UN Environment Programme's medium-term strategy for the next four years, along with its programme of work and budget for the coming two years.

During the closing session, Matthew Samuda, Jamaica's minister for water, environment and climate change, was elected president of the eighth United Nations Environment Assembly. The UNEA-8 is scheduled to take place from December 6 to 10, 2027.