UN Environment Assembly Concludes in Nairobi with 11 Resolutions

Delegates during the UNEA-7 closing plenary in Nairobi, Kenya.

The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, with Member States adopting 11 resolutions, three decisions, and a ministerial declaration aimed at advancing solutions for a more resilient planet.

The assembly is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters.

More than 6,000 participants from 186 countries attended the week-long gathering, held at the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Wide-ranging resolutions
The UNEA-7 resolutions cover issues such as the sound management of minerals and materials essential for the transition to clean energy, international cooperation to combat wildfires, and stronger protection for coral reefs and glaciers.

The ministerial declaration highlighted commitments to bold actions driving sustainable solutions, such as promoting local and national zero-waste initiatives. It also called for the implementation of obligations under multilateral environmental agreements and for equitable and inclusive participation in all environmental efforts.

Rising above differences
In her closing remarks, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the determination and solidarity shown by participants to tackle environmental challenges threatening economies and societies.

“You have succeeded,” she said. “The beacon of environmental multilateralism that rises above geopolitical differences today shines brighter.”

The assembly also approved UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) for the next four years.

Support for UNEP
Ms. Andersen urged countries to make full contributions to enable UNEP to deliver “with results and impact.”

“You will now return to the world outside the negotiation halls, where people are still dying, homes and livelihoods are being destroyed, and inequity is growing because environmental action has not been fast or strong enough,” she said.

Paris Agreement turns 10
Friday also marked 10 years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The landmark treaty, signed by 194 countries and the European Union, aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for renewed climate action:
“A decade ago, the world found the courage to adopt the Paris Agreement—a pillar of hope for humanity. Today, we must find courage again to build a livable future for all.”