The Third Global Session of the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF) convened under the theme, “Integrated Solutions #ForNature”. Participants addressed sustainable consumption and production (SCP) as the common thread running through the three planetary crises identified in the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Medium-Term Strategy – climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

The event took place at the commencement of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, and reflected the Decade’s goals and themes. Each session under the UN-SPBF’s Third Global Session aimed to identify where the greatest opportunity for the shift to SCP lies. Discussions sought to facilitate a multi-sectoral common agenda in line with UNEP’s mandate and priorities.

The agenda included sessions on:

• Big Data and Frontier Tech: Powering the Transition to a Sustainable Future;
• Addressing E-waste through Tracking, Traceability and Circular Approach;
• Marine Litter and Microplastics Mitigation and Prevention;
• Rethinking Cities: Bringing Nature to the Urban Environment; and
• Nature-positive Food Systems for a Healthy Planet and Healthy People.

Organized in the lead up to the online session of the fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5), the Third Global Session of the UN-SPBF aimed to act as a bridge between UNEP@50, Stockholm+50, and resumed session of UNEA-5 by offering strategic opportunities for inclusive, multi-sector engagement and collaboration.

The UN-SPBF was launched at UNEA-3 in December 2017. It is a framework designed to strengthen the interface between science, policy, business, and society. It convenes in conjunction with, and feeds into, the UNEA process.

IISD, through its Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) Meeting Coverage, is providing daily digital coverage and a summary report of the UN-SPBF (2021). Our summary report will be available on this site on Tuesday, 23 February 2021.