The world needs action, speed and real, lasting change to survive the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.
This was by Inger Anderson, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at the closing session of the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6).
With more than 7,000 delegates from 182 UN Member States and more than 170 ministers participating in Nairobi, UNEA-6 adopted a package of action plans, from promoting sustainable lifestyles to the sound management of chemicals and waste and sand and dust storms, issuing calls for immediate steps to rein in overconsumption and take smarter, greener steps towards sustainability.
Anderson said the ministerial declaration affirmed the international community’s strong intent to slow climate change, restore nature and land and create a pollution-free world.
She added that true multilateralism was prevailing with wide engagement from civil society, indigenous peoples, international organisations, scientists and the private sector.
“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,” she said.
At a time when the world faces a triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change, action must be swift and concerted, said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.
She said the robust UNEA-6 discussions and outcome will accelerate the world’s common goals, including efforts to achieve both the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals. UN NEWS