Excellencies, colleagues and friends,
Everybody has worked extremely hard, long hours over the last few weeks to deliver outcomes from the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). Outcomes that represent a step forward in our collective efforts to slow the triple planetary crisis.
My thanks to you, Minister Leila Benali, for your leadership, spirit and commitment as President of UNEA-6. We would not be here without that spirit. My thanks also to our dear hosts Kenya, and to Excellency President William Samoei Ruto and Excellency Soipan Tuya, for being gracious hosts and giving us a home.
To the UNEA bureau, the Committee of Permanent Representatives and its leadership. To our Committee of the Whole. To everyone across the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN Office in Nairobi (UNON). This success is yours.
Madam President has gavelled 15 resolutions and two decisions, which cover important aspects of the triple planetary crisis. You asked for advances in securing the metals and minerals needed for the transition to net-zero. You called for the world to do better on protecting the environment during and after conflicts. You delivered resolutions that will help UNEP and Member States do more on chemicals and waste, and sand and dust storms. The President has gavelled resolution that address desertification, land restoration and more. We also have a ministerial declaration that affirms the international community’s strong intent to slow climate change, restore nature and land, and create a pollution-free world.
The negotiations were not always easy. Member States did not always agree. But that is the nature of multilateralism, and indeed of life. What matters is how we disagree. We do so respectfully and then we seek to overcome our differences. Even in disagreement, we search for commonality. UNEA-6 has opened important conversations, not all of which have landed, but that I am sure that they will continue in the spirit of finding solutions that work for people and planet.
This spirit of multilateralism, true inclusive multilateralism, was evident throughout this vibrant Assembly. In the engagement of youth – and I really wish to thank the youth, some of whom bared their souls at this Assembly pleading for the shifts they need. The spirit of multilateralism was evident in the engagement of civil society, of indigenous peoples, of international organizations, of scientists and of the private sector.
It was very apparent in the first Multilateral Environmental Agreement Day. It was hugely encouraging to have these powerful conventions, plans and agreements gather in Nairobi under the big UNEA tent for the first time. This is the beginning of the weaving of stronger MEA tapestry that ensures each agreement works more closely together and delivers even better results. I look forward to seeing this in practice.
So, my thanks again for all your hard work. And a very warm welcome to the incoming President of UNEA-7, Your Excellency Abdullah Bin Ali Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority of Oman. I look forward to your leadership and to supporting you and working with you.
Excellencies and friends,
UNEP will now take forward the responsibilities you have entrusted to us in these new resolutions. In addition to keeping the environment under review. In addition to fulfilling our obligation to serve as an authoritative advocate for action across the triple planetary crisis.
Much work lies ahead. So, I ask everyone to do what they can in their own sphere of influence. To engage fully in the important processes that lie ahead, such as the three Rio Convention COPs (Conference of the Parties) this year, the negotiations on an instrument to end plastic pollution and, of course, the Summit of the Future. Since our next UNEA will happen at the end of 2025, I ask you to engage deeply and meaningfully in the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm COPs in April 2025. In the Minamata Convention COP in November 2025. And in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) COP at end of 2025.
Excellencies,
The world needs action. The world needs speed. The world needs real, lasting change.
UNEA-6 has delivered an extra boost to help us deliver this change and to ensure every person on this planet enjoys the right to a safe and healthy environment.
Thank you.
