The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA‑7) in Nairobi, under the theme ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet‘, ended on Friday (Dec 12). 

The decisions adopted in the Kenyan capital will guide the work of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in the coming years, reinforcing multilateral environmental agreements and thereby addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. 

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, who represented the EU at UNEA-7, said: 

“No nation can tackle climate change, biodiversity loss or pollution alone. Global challenges require global solutions. Environment Ministers at UNEA delivered and moved forward to finding joint responses to issues ranging from the plastics pollution that we all see, to sustainable extraction and use of critical raw materials as demand for them grows. Our planet needs our action.“

Key outcomes for multilateral environmentalism

UNEA‑7 agreed on a new Medium‑Term Strategy for UNEP for 2026–2029, which prioritises activities that can tackle the interlinked crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, and promote the circular economy and resource efficiency.  

A total of 11 resolutions and three decisions were adopted, including those which were priorities for the EU on the important areas of sustainable artificial intelligence, minerals and metals, chemicals and waste, as well as enhancing the participation of children and youth in environmental processes.

The intergovernmental Assembly adopted a Ministerial Declaration reaffirming Member States’ commitment to the circular economy, covering the entire life-cycle and action on crime affecting the environment, among other things.  

While on four resolutions, such as on deep-sea ecosystems or crimes affecting the environment, justifiable compromises were not reached and the resolutions had to be dropped, the outcomes of UNEA-7 demonstrate that multilateral cooperation among Member States still provides effective solutions for the planet and the people. 

The Assembly provided an opportunity for renewed political support for the conclusion of negotiations on a global agreement to end plastic pollution, with a number of high-level events where ministers underlined the need for a legally binding, ambitious and effective treaty that covers the full life cycle of plastics, improves product design and addresses harmful and unnecessary plastic products.

Commissioner Roswall hosted a ministerial breakfast to help maintain the momentum together with the Danish Presidency of the Council. 

During UNEA, the 7th Global Environment Outlook was launched – the most comprehensive scientific assessment of the global environment to this day. It brings together the voices of 287 experts from 82 countries.

The findings of the report highlight the stark risks of inaction, but also the enormous potential of sustainable policies and technologies to tackle climate change impacts, pollution and the biodiversity crisis. 

Background

UNEA-7 took place from 8-12 December in Nairobi, Kenya. 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.