On March 1, local time, the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) closed in Nairobi, Kenya.
On the closing day, delegates from 193 United Nations Member States voted to adopt 15 resolutions and two decisions covering a wide range of elements to address the triple planetary crisis of "climate change, loss of the natural environment and biodiversity, pollution and waste". At the same time, a ministerial declaration was adopted in which the international community expressed its strong will to mitigate climate change, restore nature and land and create a pollution-free world.
In his statement at the plenary meeting of the high-level segment of the General Assembly, Mr. Huang Runqiu, Minister of Ecology and Environment of China, pointed out that climate change, loss of biodiversity and environmental pollution were the three major challenges currently facing human society. Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral action is the key initiative and the way to address global environmental challenges and achieve sustainable development.
One of the standout moments of UNEA-6 was the strong call by BreakFreeFromPlastic members for an ambitious global plastics treaty. This initiative highlights the critical importance of addressing plastic pollution. Plastic pollution is one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges. The push for a comprehensive treaty highlights the growing recognition of the need for bold and decisive action to combat pollution and protect the environment.
At the closing ceremony, UNEP Executive Director Anderson said: "Negotiations are not always easy and it is difficult for member States to reach consensus. But that is the nature of multilateralism, and indeed the nature of life. What matters is how we disagree but respect each other, and then we seek to overcome our differences. Even where there are differences, we seek common ground. This Congress has opened many important conversations, and while not all of them have taken hold, I am confident that we will continue in the spirit of finding solutions that work for people and the planet."
The United Nations Environment Assembly is the highest decision-making mechanism on global environmental issues. The closing day also saw the election of the President of the seventh session of the Assembly, Abdullah Bin Ali Al Amri, President of the Ministry of Environment of Oman.
