Environment ministers from around the world convene this week in Nairobi, Kenya, for the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) – the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental issues.

From today until Friday (Dec 8-12), they will discuss and negotiate resolutions and decisions under the theme ’Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet’.  Strengthening multilateral environmental action will be a central focus of the high-level meeting.   

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, will represent the EU.

On 12 December, she will host a Ministerial Breakfast together with the Danish Presidency to revive discussions and rally political support for the conclusion of a Global Treaty on Plastics. The event will be a key opportunity for ministers to refocus on priorities and identify effective collective solutions to end plastic pollution. 

The EU continues to stress the need for effective, legally binding global provisions to improve product design, eliminate certain problematic plastic products, such as single-use plastics and plastics containing harmful chemicals.

At the same time, the EU remains open to working with all partners to balance global ambition with flexibility, recognising national circumstances and economic realities.

Ahead of UNEA-7, the EU has set out its key objectives, including the adoption of a robust Mid-Term Strategy for the United Nations Environmental Programme (2026–2029). This strategy should address the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, fostering synergies between them.

The EU will call for a stronger UNEP agenda that prioritises circular economy, water resilience, halting biodiversity loss, and pollution reduction, in line with its international environmental goals. 

The EU will also strive to achieve a meaningful outcome on several important draft resolutions at UNEA-7, including:

• Artificial Intelligence: Using AI to advance sustainable development and improve environmental monitoring.
• Crimes against the environment: Tackling illegal activities harming ecosystems and natural resources.
• Metals and minerals: Promoting sustainable extraction and use of critical raw materials amid rising global demand for minerals.
• Chemicals and waste: Strengthening global frameworks for managing hazardous substances and reducing waste.
• Children and youth: Enabling the meaningful participation and engagement of children and youth in environmental governance.

Commissioner Roswall will address the Assembly during the Opening  Plenary session of the High-Level segment and will also take part in several events related to the circular economy and building greater resilience. She will also meet with several Environment ministers and stakeholders.  

Background

The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s top decision-making body on environmental matters, with universal membership. It sets the global environmental agenda and directs the work of the UN Environment Programme.

Representatives of 193 Member States, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders meet in Nairobi every two years to address environmental challenges. The EU participates in the Assembly alongside its Member States.