The Assembly is the world’s top decision-making body for environmental matters.
Over 6,000 participants from 186 countries attended the week-long event at the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) headquarters.
Extended resolutions
UNEA-7 resolutions address issues like the proper management of minerals and materials essential for the clean energy transition, international cooperation against wildfires, and enhanced protection of coral reefs and glaciers.
The ministerial declaration emphasizes commitment to bold actions for sustainable solutions, such as promoting zero waste initiatives at local and national levels.
It also called for enforcing obligations from multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks, and promoting fair and inclusive participation in all efforts.
Rise above differences
In her closing remarks, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen highlighted participants’ determination and solidarity to tackle environmental challenges that threaten economies and societies.
“You did it,” she stated. “The beacon of environmental multilateralism that rises today above the fog of geopolitical differences shines a little brighter.”
She noted the assembly’s approval of the UNEP project Medium-term strategy (MTS) for the next four years.
Support the United Nations environment agency
While Member States provided new mandates to UNEP, in addition to existing ones, she urged countries to fully contribute so UNEP can achieve “results and impact.”
“You will now return to the world outside the negotiating rooms. A world where – let’s not forget in our euphoria – people are dying, homes and livelihoods are being destroyed, economies are impacted, and inequalities are increasing because action on environmental challenges has been insufficient,” Ms. Andersen said.
“Yes, you have lit the beacon and better illuminated the path forward. But now, together, we must swiftly follow this path to fulfill our collective promise to deliver real solutions for a resilient planet and people.”
The Paris Agreement celebrates its 10th anniversary
Friday marked the tenth anniversary of the Paris Agreement on climate change, which Ms. Andersen also mentioned in her remarks.
This historic treaty, signed by 194 countries and the European Union, aims to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres used the anniversary to call for more climate action.
“Ten years ago, the world found the courage to embrace the Paris Agreement– a pillar of hope for humanity,” he said in a tweet.
“Today, we must find courage. The climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time. Together, we can – and we must – build a livable future for all.”
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