Regional forums of environment ministers take place every two years in the lead-up to the meetings of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)  — the body created by the Rio+20 conference in 2012 to be “the world’s parliament on the environment.” Organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and hosted by Member States in turn, the regional forums provide an opportunity for countries to discuss and agree on which priorities they will put forward for adoption as UNEA resolutions.

The sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific came after the success of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, held in Nice, France, in June, which increased the commitment to marine conservation and ocean health. Fiji, as host of the sixth Forum, is a strong voice for the interests of small island States (SIDS). Climate impacts on the health of the Ocean and sustainability of food systems were a key focus, as was the impact of waste plastics on human health and the environment.

When the fifth Forum took place in Sri Lanka in 2023, the Asia-Pacific region was still recovering from the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons from the pandemic are being implemented through the concept of “One Health”, which recognizes the many ways in which human, animal, and ecosystem health are linked — and must be tackled together.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is in the process of drafting an environmental rights declaration, which is expected to be adopted at the 2025 ASEAN Summit in October. Environmental rights and rule of law was also discussed during the Fiji talks, among other issues.

The sixth Forum resulted in draft resolutions that will be conveyed to UNEA-7 when it convenes in December 2025. While UNEA resolutions are non-binding, they provide clear statements of intent. The negotiation process provides opportunities for coalition building among Member States with common interests. UNEA resolutions also serve as a basis for accountability among Member States, as subsequent meetings review implementation of commitments. Delegates to the sixth Forum assessd progress in implementing previous UNEA resolutions, and contribute to UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy for 2026-2029 and its two-year Programme of Work for 2026-2027.

During two preparatory days, the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum for Asia and the Pacific, the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum (APYEF), and the Asia-Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum convened. Their perspectives informed discussions when senior officials and environment ministers met.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) writers for this meeting were Delia Paul, Ph.D.; Teya Penniman; and Liz Willetts. The Photographer was Kiara Worth, Ph.D. The Editor was Leila Mead.