The state of the planet is a key topic of discussion of the work of the United Nations General Assembly, including at key moments of the year such as July’s High-level Political Forum and September’s High-Level Week. The page features highlights of the work and activities of UNEP and its partners.
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.
22 Sep
2023
22:36
UNEP ambassador Lewis Pugh: “We can no longer be bystanders”
Endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh, UNEP’s Patron of the Oceans, this week urged citizens, governments and businesses to protect the ocean amid the worsening impacts of the climate crisis.
“We can no longer be bystanders,” he said during a conversation with UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen. “We’ve got to dive in and we’ve really got to highlight what’s happening to the planet.”
Andersen lauded Pugh’s activism, including his 507km swim down the United States’ Hudson River earlier this month. The journey helped raise awareness about the need to protect and revive the world’s waterways.
“We are seeing that it is possible to turn this around for the next generation,” she said. “That’s what gives me hope.”
22 Sep
2023
21:00
Six stories of hope from the frontlines of the climate crisis
While this week’s meetings in New York have underscored the severity of the climate crisis, there are reasons for optimism. Around the world, countries and communities are fighting back against a changing climate using strategies old and new. Here’s a look at six such stories from our archives.
Once threatened, Mexico’s green jewel has become a model of conservation.
How a salt-loving tree is helping protect Mozambique against climate change.
Renewable energy: a boon for Cambodia’s women farmers.
Marine biodiversity gets a lifeline with high seas treaty.
A green wall to restore nature in Africa’s Sahel region.
How a groundbreaking satellite system is aiming to reduce methane emissions.
22 Sep
2023
20:00
Vulnerable countries need immediate help as climate crisis deepens: UNEP Executive Director
Amid a surge in extreme weather, the world must speed the implementation of a loss and damage fund that would help vulnerable countries adapt to the climate crisis, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said Friday.
The fund was a key outcome of last year’s UN Climate Change Conference in Egypt. Adapting to the climate crisis could cost developing countries up to US$340 billion annually by 2030 and up to US$565 billion a year by 2050, according to UNEP research.
“[The] loss and damage funding mechanism must be simple, expedient and deliver predictable funding,” Andersen said.
