The state of the planet is a key agenda item for the United Nations General Assembly. This page features related updates from the United Nations Environment Programme (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 included the Summit of the Future.
23 Sep
2024
15:26
The Pact for the Future has been adopted by member countries by consensus at UN Headquarters in New York
23 Sep
2024
15:00
Launch of World Social Protection Report: 24 September
To launch its flagship World Social Protection Report 2024-2026: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will hold a global political event at the UN headquarters in New York on 24 September 2024, 1315-1430 hrs EDT.
On the heels of the Summit of the Future, the report provides an overview of progress made around the world since 2015 in extending social protection, with a sharp focus on the need for climate action to transition to a more sustainable world.
Featuring Sheila Aggarwal Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, the launch event will involve a high-level panel discussion, which unpacks the challenges and policy priorities addressed by the report.
23 Sep
2024
12:55
UNEP Executive Director advocates the conclusion of a global plastics treaty at Summit of the Future
23 Sep
2024
12:26
SDG Media Zone at Summit of the Future: 23 – 27 September
Tune in for the latest on global issues, the Summit of the Future and accelerating progress and opportunities on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! Taking place from 23–27 September, the SDG Media Zone is a dynamic space for enriching conversations with thought leaders from civil society, private sector, UN Principals, Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors.
22 Sep
2024
00:05
Official start of the Summit of the Future: 22 – 23 September
After the Action Days provided additional opportunities for all actors to get involved, the Summit of the Future officially begins today. In addition to plenary meetings, the following interactive dialogues provide another platform for world leaders to come together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The dialogues will be held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN Headquarters, New York. Time zone: EDT.
22 September | 1000-1300 hrs | Transforming global governance and turbocharging the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development
22 September | 1500-1800 hrs | Enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security
23 September | 1000-1300 hrs | Towards a Common Digital Future: strengthening inclusive innovation and cooperation to bridge the digital divides
23 September | 1500-1800 hrs | The Future Starts Now: enhancing the global system for current and future generations
20 Sep
2024
11:53
UNEP at UNGA 79 this weekend: 20 – 22 September
As dialogues considering the world’s path towards a just and resilient future at the UN General Assembly, UNEP is taking part in the following events this weekend. Time zone: EDT.
20 September | 1500-1615 hrs | Empowering Youth for Sustainable Futures: Intergenerational Responsibility and Skills for a Just Transition
Where: UNHQ Conference Room 2 and live
21 September | 1630-1830 hrs | The Global Digital Compact: A Roadmap to Advance Sustainable Digital Transformation for an Equitable and Sustainable World
Where: Estonian House, 234 E 34th St, New York
Other events to watch out for this weekend:
20 September | 0830-1230 hrs | Youth Forum on the Future of the Environment
Where: Estonian House, 234 E 34th St, New York
21 September | Human Rights of Future Generations - the path forward.
Where: Virtual
21 September | 1400-1530 hrs | Confronting Conflict Crisis and climate for a sustainable tomorrow through intergenerational action
Where: Even hotel, E 44th St, New York
22 September | 1500-1630 hrs | Mobilizing Private Sector Ambition and Accountability to Transform Food Systems
Where: Private dining room 4th floor
22 September | 1830-2000 hrs | Sustainable Development Goals at a Turning Point
Where: Tavern on the Green, W 67th St, New York
20 Sep
2024
10:09
High-Level Side Event during UNGA: Galvanizing Momentum for Global Plastic Pollution Action
A high-level event entitled “Galvanizing Momentum for the Global Plastic Pollution Instrument” will take place during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This event, organized by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNEP, aims to mobilize political momentum and global partnerships in the fight against plastic pollution, focusing on the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024.
Following the Summit of the Future, the event will showcase best practices, innovative solutions and joint actions to reduce plastic waste and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Keynote speakers include:
- H.E. William Ruto, PhD, President of the Republic of Kenya
- H.E. Jona Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway
- Ms. Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP
20 Sep
2024
09:00
On the sidelines of the High-Level Week: Signing of MoU between UNEP and the State of Pará, Brazil
Belém, the capital of Pará, is set to host the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), marking the first time a COP will be hosted in the Amazon. In the context of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), Global Stocktake and forest-related targets, Pará has set ambitious targets including ending deforestation by 2030, which aligns with international climate goals. The state has also committed to reforesting over 1 million hectares by 2035 as part of its Green Recovery Plan.
Pará’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNEP will highlight collaboration between the two parties and ensure that UNEP plays a leading role at COP30. The partnership will also help secure dedicated spaces for advocacy and elevate the focus on forests and Nature-based Solutions. The signing is set to happen at a high-level roundtable event at the Nature Hub on 24 September during the New York Climate Week.
Read the full event announcement.
19 Sep
2024
11:27
UNEP Chief Scientist to speak at Summit of the Future Side Event: 20 September
UNEP Chief Scientist, Andrea Hinwood, will speak at the hybrid event “Systems approaches to long-term decision-making for sustainability” on 20 September 2024, 1645-1800 hrs EDT.
Taking place on the side lines of the Summit of the Future Action Days, the event is hosted by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), the International Science Council (ISC), UNEP, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, and The Future of Climate Cooperation.
The program will examine science-based, practical approaches available for governments and intergovernmental organizations to use systems thinking to enhance long-term perspectives in decision-making for sustainable development. Participants will highlight recent scientific reports, including UNEP’s Foresight Report on Planetary Health and Human Wellbeing, and the work of the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales.
18 Sep
2024
14:00
UNEP Executive Director to speak at SDG Digital Event: 21 September
UNEP Executive Director, Inger Andersen, will speak at the SDG Digital event “A Digital Future for All – Sustainable and Prosperous” on 21 September 2024, 1217-1300 hrs EDT.
The event reflects ongoing multilateral efforts to leverage digital innovation for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set within the broader context of this year’s UN General Assembly, the Summit of the Future and its Action Days.
By convening leaders from government, civil society, the private sector, youth, and academia, SDG Digital will propel participants forward into the future, encouraging exploration of the trends, risks, and opportunities presented by digital and emerging technologies.
