UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)

The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) is currently taking place in Nairobi, Kenya. The session focuses on strengthening global cooperation to address pressing environmental challenges and promote sustainable development.

About the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)

Overview

The UN Environment Assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters. It plays a central role in shaping global environmental governance and setting international priorities for environmental protection.

Membership

UNEA has universal membership, comprising all 193 United Nations Member States. In addition, it ensures the full participation of major groups and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and scientific communities.

Meetings

The Assembly convenes the ministers of environment from across the world in Nairobi, Kenya, once every two years. Nairobi also serves as the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Background and Establishment

UNEA was established in 2012 as an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), held in Brazil. Its creation marked an important step in elevating environmental issues to the highest political level within the UN system.

Functions of the UN Environment Assembly

Policy and Agenda Setting

The Assembly:

• Sets the global environmental agenda

• Provides overarching policy guidance

• Defines policy responses to emerging environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution

Review and Guidance

UNEA undertakes:

• Policy review and dialogue

• Exchange of experiences and best practices among countries

• Strategic guidance on the future direction of UNEP

Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

The Assembly fosters:

• International partnerships to achieve environmental goals

• Mobilisation of financial and technical resources for environmental action

Organisational Structure

UNEA Bureau

The UN Environment Assembly consists of:

• One President

• Eight Vice Presidents

Together, they form the UNEA Bureau, which provides leadership and oversees the functioning of the Assembly.

UNEA-7 (2025)

Theme

The theme of the Seventh UN Environment Assembly (2025) is:
“Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”

This theme underscores the need for innovative, inclusive, and science-based solutions to build environmental resilience and achieve sustainable development goals.

Key Outcomes of the Sixth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6)

Ministerial Declaration

UNEA-6 reaffirmed global commitment to addressing the “triple planetary crisis”, namely climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. This commitment was formally expressed through the adoption of a Ministerial Declaration, highlighting the urgency of coordinated international action.

Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Day

For the first time, 28 February 2024 was observed as Multilateral Environmental Agreements Day.
This day was dedicated to recognizing the importance of international agreements addressing major environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and chemical and waste management.

Adoption of Draft Resolutions

UNEA-6 adopted several draft resolutions aimed at strengthening global environmental governance. These included resolutions on:

• Combating sand and dust storms

• Environmentally sound management of chemicals and waste

• International cooperation on air pollution

• Promotion of sustainable lifestyles

These resolutions reflect a comprehensive approach to tackling both local and transboundary environmental issues.

Reports Released at UNEA-6

Global Resource Outlook 2024

The Global Resource Outlook 2024 warned that without decisive global action to curb consumption:

• Extraction of natural resources could increase by 60% from 2020 levels

• Such an increase would significantly exacerbate climate change

• It would also intensify biodiversity loss and risks to human health

The report emphasised the need for a transition towards resource efficiency and sustainable consumption patterns.

Global Waste Management Outlook 2024

The Global Waste Management Outlook 2024 highlighted alarming trends in waste generation and costs:

• Municipal solid waste is projected to rise from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050

• The direct cost of waste management is expected to almost double by 2050, increasing from about USD 252 billion in 2020

The report called for improved waste reduction, recycling, and circular economy practices.

Used Heavy-Duty Vehicles and the Environment Report

This report highlighted:

• The rising emissions from used heavy-duty vehicles

• Their negative impacts on climate, air quality, and public health

It stressed the need for stricter emission norms and sustainable transport solutions, particularly in developing countries.

Awards Announced at UNEA-6

Young Champions of the Earth Award

The Young Champions of the Earth Award, introduced in 2017, is a flagship youth engagement initiative of UNEP.
Under this initiative:

• Young people aged 18–30 years are selected from every region of the world

• They are recognised for their innovative solutions and leadership in addressing environmental challenges

The award aims to empower youth as key agents of environmental change.