The state of the planet is a key agenda item for the United Nations General Assembly. This page features related updates from UNEP and its partners, including key moments of the year such as July’s High-level Political Forum and September’s High-Level Week which in 2024 will include the Summit of the Future.
29 Jul
2024
10:00
UNEP Executive Director calls for forward-thinking multilateralism ahead of Summit of the Future
On 8 July 2024, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen addressed the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) ahead of the Summit of the Future in September 2024. In her speech, she called for more agile and adaptive multilateral cooperation, that responds faster to emerging challenges.
“The Summit of the Future can nudge the UN into a more responsive and united global force for good,” Inger Andersen said. The Summit at the United Nations in New York is a high-level event, bringing together world leaders to forge a new international consensus on how to deliver a better present and safeguard the future.
“Looking forward, the world will need strong science and knowledge, delivered in a timely and accessible manner to inform decision-making,” Inger Andersen noted. “UNEP is doing its part through stronger engagement with UN country teams, providing scientific expertise for environmental action,” she added.
23 Jul
2024
15:52
Rebuilding the ozone layer: how the world came together for the ultimate repair job
As far as decades go, the 1980s were nothing if not tumultuous. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 reshaped the future, heralding the dawn of a new world order. In the run-up to the Summit of the Future, we recall another significant, but lesser known, event of that decade which took place two years earlier when governments came together to tackle a key global environmental challenge: to reverse damage to the ozone layer and ensure we had a viable future to reshape.
The adoption of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on September 16, 1987 marked a turning point in environmental history and became one of the biggest success stories of multilateral cooperation. It also showed that when science and political willpower join forces, the results can change the world.
“In the face of a triple planetary crisis – climate, nature and pollution - the Montreal Protocol is one of the best examples we have of the positive and powerful outcome of multilateralism,” said Meg Seki, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Ozone Secretariat. “When sound science is the basis for universal action, we can overcome what may seem insurmountable global environmental challenges.”
Watch a film on the Montreal Protocol, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
17 Jul
2024
20:20
Messages from the UN Environment Assembly
In week two, the HLPF was addressed by H. E. Abdullah Bin Ali Amri, President of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).
"We gather at this Forum not only as Member States but as stewards of our planet, united by a common purpose: to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda with the aim of eradicating poverty and deliver sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions for a sustainable future in a healthy planet," Bin Ali Amri of Oman said.
"Enhancing sustainable consumption, and production is imperative. UNEA has called on Member States to adopt policies that decouple economic growth from environmental harm," he noted.
In his statement, Bin Ali Amri urged world leaders to use every piece of knowledge and engage scientists, Indigenous peoples, and the youth who are not afraid to try something new, and to leverage solutions that ensure a future where sustainable development is a reality for all, leaving no one behind.
16 Jul
2024
15:51
UNEP on 16 July at HLPF 2024
As dialogues considering the world’s path towards a just and resilient future at HLPF 2024 continue, UNEP is taking part in the following events on 16 July 2024. Time zone: EDT.
1010-1015 hrs | UNEA Message
1000-1300 hrs | Parliamentary Forum
1300-1430 hrs | Critical Energy Transition Minerals to Accelerate Progress Towards the SDGs
1315-1430 hrs | Keeping 1.5 within Reach, Setting NDCs 3.0 in Motion
15 Jul
2024
16:34
Global Foresight Report launch at HLPF 2024
As HLPF 2024 enters its second week, UNEP will be launching the Global Foresight Report.
The report offers valuable insights into potential challenges that may hinder environmental sustainability and impede the achievement of the SDGs, posing risks to both planetary health and human wellbeing. It represents the culmination of 18 months of data collection and participatory learning conducted by UNEP in collaboration with partners, reflecting a shift towards a forward-thinking culture as part of "United Nations 2.0" initiative.
12 Jul
2024
12:38
SDG 13 on climate action and interlinkages with other SDGs
On day three of the first week of HLPF 2024, delegates turned their attention to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has described climate action as the 21st century’s greatest opportunity to drive forward all the SDGs.
"Addressing climate change is about equity and inclusiveness, today and tomorrow, addressing both opportunity and challenges to poverty reduction, including energy poverty, and economic development, but also climate related health, disasters, and environmental impacts," a UNEP statement outlined.
Climate-driven impacts (such as hurricanes and flooding) on ecosystems are causing measurable economic and livelihood losses around the world. By integrating climate resilience into development planning, we create opportunities for sustainable economic growth and improved livelihoods.
Clean energy will reduce the deadly air pollution that shrouds our cities and associated health impacts and improve health, productivity, livelihoods, security, and educational achievements. Collaborations between governments, international organizations, businesses, and civil society can amplify our collective impact and create incentives for more effort in socially valuable technologies.
11 Jul
2024
16:01
SDG 16 in focus at the HLPF 2024
Today at HLPF 2024, the focus is on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 on peace, justice, and strong institutions. Delegates will discuss best practices from different regions or sectors that demonstrate effective approaches to achieving SDG 16 and fostering synergies with other SDGs.
Understanding the links between the environment and human security is vital for effective conflict prevention, post-conflict reconstruction, and promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies. Without peace, justice, and strong institutions, achieving other goals can be difficult to impossible. SDG 16 is therefore a critical enabler to achieving other SDGs.
10 Jul
2024
17:51
UNEP on 11 July at HLPF 2024
Delegates at HLPF 2024 are confronting the most basic human vulnerabilities and societal costs of a global systemic failure, now exacerbated by the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. These events are on the agenda for UNEP on 11 July 2024. Time zone: EDT.
0800-0930 hrs | Fast solutions in the agriculture sector that will benefit the agriculture sector
1000-1010 hrs | Introduction of the report on the 10-Year Framework of Programme on Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns
1010-1300 hrs | SDGs in Focus – SDG 16
1500-1645 hrs | Session on African countries, Least Developed Countries and Landlocked Developing Countries
09 Jul
2024
16:05
UNEP on 10 July at HLPF 2024
As delegates gather in New York for HLPF 2024 to track and promote progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEP is taking part in several events. Here is what to expect on 10 July 2024. Time zone: EDT.
0800-1000 hrs | Unpacking Policy Coherence for Sustainable Development: Unexplored options for achieving the SDGs
1000-1300 hrs | SDGs in Focus – SDG 13
1000-1300 hrs | Local2030 Coalition special event
1500-1700 hrs | SDGs in Practice (Climate Change, Pollution and Biodiversity Loss)
08 Jul
2024
18:02
High-level Political Forum 2024 Opening- UN Deputy Chief
Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, delivered her speech during the opening of the (1st meeting) High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2024 (HLPF 2024).
HLPF 2024, happening from 8-17 July under the auspices of the Economic and Social Council, will be held under the theme "Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions.”
The programme will include the thematic reviews of Sustainable Development Goals 1 on no poverty, 2 on zero hunger, 13 on climate action, 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions, and 17 on partnerships for the Goals.
