The world’s top environmental decision-making body, the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), opened its seventh session in Nairobi on Monday, drawing global leaders, ministers, civil society groups, youth representatives and private sector actors committed to tackling the escalating triple planetary crisis.
UNEA-7, hosted at the UN Complex in Gigiri, brings together all 193 UN member states to define international environmental priorities and shape the future of global sustainability. Although its resolutions are not legally binding, they provide the foundation for UNEP’s work and often influence the development of landmark global agreements.
Global Call to Act on Climate, Pollution and Biodiversity Loss
UNEA-7 President and head of Oman’s Environment Authority, Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, said the world is at a pivotal moment as communities continue to struggle with climate change, land degradation, biodiversity decline and mounting pollution.
“Our success this week depends not only on the outcomes we adopt but also on how we reach them — through trust, transparency, compromise and inclusiveness,” he told delegates.
UNEP executive director Inger Andersen warned that the planet is dangerously close to surpassing the 1.5°C warming threshold within a decade, with cascading environmental consequences already visible.
“Ecosystems are disappearing, land is degrading, dust storms are intensifying, and toxins continue to pollute our air, water and land,” she said, adding that geopolitical tensions are further testing multilateral cooperation.
Kenya Highlights Leadership in Environmental Governance
Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr Deborah Barasa underscored Kenya’s commitment to environmental stewardship, noting that resilience requires more than conservation efforts.
“It means using resources wisely, building just and inclusive societies, ensuring economic growth respects planetary boundaries and embracing innovation to prevent harm before it happens,” she said.
Kenya is participating actively at UNEA-7, sponsoring three resolutions and co-sponsoring two more, with a focus on inclusive governance, sustainability and climate resilience.
Youth and Stakeholders Shape the Agenda
UNEA-7 follows a series of dedicated forums for youth, cities, regions and major stakeholder groups. More than 1,000 young delegates presented a Global Youth Declaration capturing youth expectations and priorities for the assembly.
Throughout the week, negotiators will consider 15 draft resolutions covering issues including glacier preservation, pollution, nature protection and the environmental implications of artificial intelligence.
High-level dialogues will also review sustainability in global finance, industry and public health.
Heads of state, including Kenya’s President William Ruto, are expected to deliver national statements during the assembly’s high-level segment.
Major Launches and Recognitions Ahead
On the sidelines, UNEP will unveil the seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7) on December 9 and announce the 2025 Champions of the Earth — the UN’s highest environmental honour.
With over 6,000 registered participants from more than 180 countries, including 79 ministers and 35 vice-ministers, UNEA-7 is convening under the theme:
“Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”