At the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), nations resolved to rein in pollution from chemicals, to combat desertification and address sand and dust storms, to protect the ocean, to reduce air pollution, to better manage freshwater supplies, and to support the sustainable mining of energy transition minerals. With a record of 5,600-plus attendees, including 12 heads of state or government, the assembly demonstrated that countries can overcome geopolitical divisions to unite on environmental action. “The spirit of true, inclusive multilateralism was evident throughout this vibrant assembly,” said Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP.

For the first time, UNEA dedicated a day to increasing the impact of Multilateral Environmental Agreements through more united action. These international accords have served as frameworks to protect endangered species, repair the ozone layer and rein in chemical pollution, among other things. 

UNEA-6 also saw youth step up, with environmental activist Grace Catapang from the Philippines decrying the “devastating injustices” caused by environmental degradation. 

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What is UNEA? 

The United Nations Environment Assembly is the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment and includes all 193 UN Member States. It sets the global environmental agenda, develops policy responses to emerging environmental challenges and establishes UNEP’s strategic direction.