Summary report, 26–29 August 2025

In the lead-up to meetings of the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, regional forums are meeting to enable governments and others involved in environmental policymaking to convey regional perspectives and highlight issues of regional concern. The Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific showed “strong convergence,” in the words of a representative of the host country Fiji, across some key environmental issues, These include: the impacts of climate change and sea-level rise on small island developing States (SIDS); protection of marine biodiversity and ecosystems; and urgency for concluding negotiations toward a treaty to manage the whole lifecycle of plastics. The Sixth Forum, which brought together 33 Asia-Pacific countries, was the first forum to take place in the Pacific region, and delegates said it was notable for several reasons.

First, the Forum enjoyed an unprecedented level of participation from Pacific SIDS—not only by government delegates but also civil society participants who often are unable to attend faraway events. For instance, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Children and Youth Major Group (CYMG)delegation at the ministerial event included 60 youth from across the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting location, and the Government of Fiji’s hosting of the event, spotlighted the possibilities for strong action on the Ocean and marine ecosystems, especially in relation to managing and moderating climate impacts.

Second, the Forum took place at a pivotal moment in environmental governance. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) has been adopted, the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is about to enter into force, and a Fund on responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) related to climate impacts has been established but is not yet fully capitalized. An intergovernmental science-policy body on chemicals and waste has been created; at the same time, negotiations toward a plastics treaty have stalled. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has advised that States have a legal duty to protect the climate—so countries are obliged to limit greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), even without reference to the Paris Agreement. Delegates emphasized the need for policies, plans and commitments to be turned into concrete implementation. Several countries, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and many SIDS, sought to restart the plastics treaty negotiations in association with the UNEA process.

Third, the Forum took place at a time when traditional donors are rolling back their support for international development, placing the onus on countries and subregional organizations to lead through new kinds of partnerships. The theme of the Forum, “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,” prompted participants to share examples of successful approaches to meeting environmental challenges, for example, in establishing “blue corridors” to protect whale and turtle migration routes, and rediscovering traditional and Indigenous approaches to ecosystem management. Integrative approaches to sustainable food systems and the environment-health nexus through the One Health approach, protected areas, and synergies on multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) implementation featured strongly during side events.

The Sixth Forum will forward several resolutions to UNEA-7 on:

• country-specific strategies to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, presented by the Republic of Korea;
• accelerating global action to promote the climate resilience of coral reefs, presented by Fiji;
• meaningful participation of children and youth in environmental and climate change action, presented by Sri Lanka; 
• strengthening global response on management of wildfires, presented by India; and
• promoting synergies, cooperation, or collaboration for national implementation of MEAs presented by Japan.

Other resolutions from countries in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to be developed before the 29 September 2025 deadline for the submission of resolutions for UNEA-7. For example, Tuvalu signaled its intention to submit texts on: a regional legal framework giving rights-based protection to people displaced across national borders due to climate change; and urgent actions related to sea-level rise and accelerated impacts.

The Sixth Forum, which convened from 26-29 August in Nadi, Fiji, began with two days of preparatory events. On 26 August, the Asia Pacific Youth Environment Forum (APYEF) convened in parallel with the Science-Policy-Business Dialogue on the Environment for the Asia-Pacific Region. On 27 August, Major Groups and Stakeholders (MGS) met in plenary all day, while side events took place around the conference venue.

Two days of high-level events then followed. On 28 August, a Senior Officials Meeting reviewed implementation of past UNEA resolutions, as well as considered UNEP’s Draft Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026-2029 and Programme of Work for the next biennium. They also provided suggestions on the content of the draft ministerial declaration that will be adopted by UNEA in December 2025. On 29 August, environment ministers from around the region discussed and shared examples of sustainable solutions to environmental challenges, and engaged in dialogue with stakeholders. Youth delegates launched the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Manifesto. At the close of the Forum, ministers endorsed the report of the meeting and forwarded the draft resolutions to UNEA-7.

A total of 293 participants attended the Forum. Throughout the four days, representatives from the host country and the region seized the opportunity to remind delegates that the threat of climate change is existential for Pacific Islands. For example, six Fijian coastal communities have been relocated and another 17 relocations are imminent—the lived reality of what a planetary shift of one degree looks like. In addition, many underscored the severe realities of transboundary air, water, chemical, and waste pollution, and expressed urgency about, in the words of one government representative, the “relentless tide of plastic pollution” facing many nations.

On the last day of the Forum, Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, Fiji, reminded guests that, in the past, “voices of the Pacific have struggled to pierce the corridors of power” and that current responses to global environmental challenges are not sustainable—“economically, environmentally and morally.” He urged all delegates to act as a region, “as partners in risk and shared opportunity.” Sivendra Michael, Ministry of Environment, Fiji, called on all concerned to carry messages of the Forum back to their own governments and communities, warning, “The children of our region are watching us, and they will live in the world shaped by decisions made here.”

A Brief History of the Forum

Origin of the Process

UNEA, UNEP’s high-level decision-making body with universal membership, was established in 2012 through a decision taken at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), which convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012. UNEA first convened in 2014 (UNEA-1). Paragraph 88(g) of the Rio+20 Outcome, The Future We Want, called for strengthening the regional presence of UNEP to assist countries, upon request, in implementing their national environmental policies. The Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific takes place in the context of the overall goal of strengthening UNEP and meets every two years in alignment with the UNEA process. 

Forum outcomes are communicated to various regional and global forums besides UNEA, including the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development and the Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development. The latter replaced the Subregional Environmental Policy Dialogues that UNEP convened from 2003 to 2014. 

Key Turning Points

First Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: This Forum took place from 19-20 May 2015 in Bangkok, Thailand, and contributed to negotiations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted in September 2015. Delegates identified challenges for the region, namely: air pollution and its health impacts; the need for sound chemicals and waste management, including transboundary approaches; and the promotion of the green and blue economies. 

Second Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: This Forum took place from 5-8 September 2017 in conjunction with the seventh Ministerial Conference on Environment and Development in Asia and the Pacific. It was organized jointly with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) in Bangkok, Thailand. The joint meeting, referred to as the First Asia-Pacific Ministerial Summit, reviewed implementation of sustainable development commitments and presented examples of policy and practice supporting delivery of the SDGs, MEAs, and UNEA commitments. Ministers supported concerted action on such issues as waste management, environmental health strategies, transboundary pollution, and marine litter. 

Third Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: This Forum took place from 23-25 January 2019 in Singapore. The meeting was the first one to be organized jointly by UNEP with a Member State host and to take place outside Bangkok, Thailand, where the regional secretariat of UNEP is based. The Forum focused on innovations in sustainable consumption and production (SCP). 

Delegates shared their national actions and experiences with implementing SCP solutions, discussed progress within the region on achieving the SDGs, and provided their perspectives on draft UNEA resolutions proposed by Asia-Pacific countries. The resolutions addressed such issues as marine litter, ecosystem protection, sustainable infrastructure, dust storms, and waste management. During the ministerial segment, delegates took part in two high-level panels, which addressed policy support and financing. 

Fourth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: Prior to the Fourth Forum, due to the outbreak of the global COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions, UNEA-5 was scheduled in two parts, under the theme, “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.” The first session, UNEA-5.1, took place online in February 2021 and focused on urgent and procedural decisions. 

The Fourth Forum convened after that from 2-7 October 2021 in a hybrid format, with online participation and in-person attendance in the Republic of Korea. The Forum aimed to provide regional insights into necessary post-pandemic recovery efforts and policy priorities for UNEA. The Forum evaluated the Asia-Pacific region’s ambition for two crucial global processes: the Glasgow Climate Change Conference and the UN Biodiversity Conference where the GBF was adopted. The Forum emphasized investing in nature for pandemic recovery, tackling marine pollution, promoting technology and innovation, and involving youth in green technology and decision-making.

The resumed fifth session of UNEA (UNEA-5.2) convened from 28 February – 2 March 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya, and took the historic decision to establish an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. Among other decisions, the meeting resolved to establish a science-policy platform on chemicals, waste, and pollution.

Fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: This meeting convened from 1-5 October 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on the theme of “Effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.” In line with this theme, the meeting put forward a draft resolution on synergistic approaches to achieve the SDGs, and requested UNEP to produce a report on how to promote synergistic approaches. The meeting reflected many countries’ interest and support for the INC’s work towards a plastics treaty. Discussions also gave focus to problems of snow melt and other environmental impacts of climate change in the Hindu Kush Himalayas. The CYMG advocated for the rights of children and youth to a clean and healthy environment, and for their active participation in shaping a cleaner and healthier world.

Report of the Forum

This report provides coverage of selected events during the Sixth Forum and is organized by session type. Webcasts of the Senior Officials Meeting and the Ministerial Segment are available.

Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Forum

This one-day forum on Tuesday comprised three thematic dialogues, a presentation inviting youth involvement in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), and a capacity-building session for participants to better understand the UNEA process. The consultative process to develop the 2025 Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Manifesto concluded during the Forum and was forwarded to the ministerial segment.

Opening Plenary: Phebe Fidge, Co-Chair Youth Task Force, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, moderated the opening session. In introductory remarks, Miliana Iga, Coordinator, Pacific Youth Council, emphasized the existential crisis of climate change, saying every conversation, every partnership built, and every commitment made must be measured against this reality. Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator, Fiji Multi-Country Office, told participants they are not leaders in waiting but in their own right, and highlighted that the advisory opinion on climate change by the ICJ stemmed from a youth-led initiative by Pacific law students,

Clarence Gio Almoite, CYMG, highlighted examples of youth engagement, including: co-sponsoring a youth resolution at UNEA-7; growth in the youth network that now includes hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals, resulting in successful lobbying for key resolutions; and the launch of the CYMG Youth Plastic Action Network.

Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), highlighted the nexus between environmental changes in mountains and impacts on islands, and noted the creation of the Hindu Kush Himalaya-Arctic Youth Leadership Forum.

Praising the previous successes of the APYEF, Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, highlighted the importance of the regional Youth Environment Manifestos as more than symbolic pieces of paper, but “powerful tools” that will be delivered directly to ministers and decision makers across the region. He promised to listen to youth voices, integrate youth priorities into decision making, and be transparent about which proposals are or are not adopted.

Thematic Dialogues: Three thematic dialogues took place on: youth leadership on chemicals, waste, and sustainable lifestyles; youth-led impacts in the region, and youth in ocean and regional governance.

Youth leadership for a healthy and toxic-free planet: Experiences related to pollution, the plastics treaty, and advocating for sustainable lifestyles: Steven Setiawan, CYMG, moderated this dialogue. Kakuko Yoshida, Global Coordinator, Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, UNEP, called on stakeholders to engage in the science-policy panel process, highlighting the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund.

Tshering Lhamo, Founder, Gross International Nature, noted that women carry out 75% of household-level waste management and described an initiative to address river pollution. Shania Shweta Chand, University of the South Pacific, described histamine contamination in local fish and emphasized solutions aligned to local cultural, environmental, and economic contexts.

Tiffany Tu, Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation, emphasized five principles for sustainable lifestyles: refusing (to use plastics or engage in things that are harmful for the environment); reducing; reusing (as much as possible); repairing (innovative ways to repair and continue to use scarce resources); and recycling. She encouraged harnessing social media for good.

Participants asked questions about: managing upstream and downstream responsibilities in the face of increasing waste production; the role of the science-policy body on chemicals and waste in informing the plastics negotiations; and the role of women. Yoshida encouraged having voluntary and obligatory schemes to tackle pollution at the national level and not needing to “wait for a multilateral environmental agreement.”

From policies to action: Youth-led impacts in the Asia Pacific: Vikrant Srivastava, CYMG, moderated this session. Sena Pradipta, Ministry of Environment, Indonesia, discussed the importance of multistakeholder involvement, and encouraged youth to be pro-active in supporting pro-environment businesses.

Georgina Lloyd, UNEP, introduced youth participants to the process and history of UNEA resolutions and the UNEA Monitoring and Reporting Portal, which outlines mandates for UNEP and actions for member states, and tracks progress on implementation, including milestones and results.

Neekhil Prasad, Youth Representative, Fiji, offered examples of how the region’s youth have been driving action since UNEA-6, including on: plastic-free initiatives; mangrove and ecosystem restoration; community awareness; coral reef rehabilitation; and Indigenous and traditional knowledge. He noted however that youth-led projects have difficulties accessing resources, funding, and decision-making power, and recommended support for Asia-Pacific youth exchange programmes.

Chinkie Peliño-Golle, Regional Coordinator, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) Southeast and East Asia, and Coordinator, Asia and the Pacific MGS, emphasized: the role of citizen science, including for data gathering and analysis to support policy recommendations; tracking implementation; ensuring that youth insights are included in reports; and ensuring intergenerational collaboration is meaningful.

Hino Samuel Jose, CYMG, highlighted youth engagement on plastics, chemicals, mining, energy, food systems, water, and deep-sea mining; and said youth are bringing local issues to the global level.

Blue futures: Youth shaping ocean and regional governance: Miliana Iga moderated the session. Janice Taga, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), Fiji, said data can be a source of power in ocean governance, and highlighted the WCS approach of co-designing projects with local communities that maintain data sovereignty.

Rayhan Dudayev, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, proposed ways to integrate youth priorities and rights-based marine conservation in National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). He called for the forthcoming UNEA-7 and the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP-30) to address the reality that less than 1% of climate finance goes to Indigenous Peoples.

Davila Talemalmaleya, Itaukei Women in Conservation, called for documenting traditional knowledge, and for policies to be grounded in the lived experience of grassroot communities, for example, in traditional fishing practices and wetland preservation.

Maria-Goreti Muavesi, environmental lawyer, addressed the BBNJ Agreement, explaining the current process for national consultations toward ratification, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity for safeguarding the rights of present and future generations to a healthy Ocean. She noted that just three out of 28 current proposals for implementation of the BBNJ Agreement are from the Asia-Pacific region. (Parties can submit proposals for implementation to the BBNJ Secretariat, primarily for area-based management tools, including marine protected areas.)

During the Q&A session, participants raised questions related to managing pressures from commercial coastal tourism, and integrating human rights into the ‘30x30’ protected area targets. Rayhan Dudayev suggested participants could promote recognition of the right to a healthy environment in their respective countries, building on the ICJ advisory opinion on the obligations of States with respect to climate change.

IPCC Presentation: Ladislaus Chang’a, Vice-Chair, IPCC, invited youth delegates to participate in reviewing the IPCC’s upcoming Special Report on Climate Change and Cities and to promote its key findings through a jointly authored policy brief. He noted the IPCC’s heightened efforts to promote inclusivity in its assessment process, including promoting the participation of Indigenous knowledge system experts, early-career scientists, and youth.

Comments from the floor focused on: the massive shortfall in funding needed for responding to loss and damage; extraction of critical minerals for the transition to low-carbon societies; the environmental impacts of war; and how the IPCC can ensure environmental values are reflected in its reports, given political pressures. Chang’a underscored that the IPCC’s findings are always based on science, and must strike a balance between being policy-relevant, without being policy-prescriptive.

Capacity Building and Final Consultation on the Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Manifesto 2025: This capacity-building session informed participants about the role of the CYMG in processes of the regional Ministerial Forum, UNEA, and multilateral negotiations more generally. At the start of the day, Hino Samuel Jose, CYMG, underscored the importance of the Youth Environment Manifesto and anticipated a UNEA-7 resolution on youth education and employment.

In the afternoon, the CYMG opened a final consultation session on the draft of the Asia-Pacific Youth Manifesto. The session comprised four group discussions, three in-person and one online, using a shared online document.

Affirming the robust engagement process, Rubina Adhikari, CYMG, presented the draft Manifesto. She highlighted its five key calls for: climate action and environmental justice; the imperative for loss and damage finance; a 75% reduction in plastics by 2040; inclusive knowledge and governance; and States to support and co-sponsor a resolution actioning true engagement of children and youth in environmental decision-making processes.

Asia-Pacific Youth Environment Manifesto 2025: The Manifesto affirms the right of every child and youth to an environment free of toxins and plastics, and calls upon governments to enshrine the right to a healthy environment into law and ensure that regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms prioritize the protection of young people. It further calls for, inter alia:

• youth voices to be recognized in the interpretation and implementation of international environmental law arising from the ICJ advisory opinion;
• embedding youth as equitable partners in climate, biodiversity, and ocean governance in the UNEP MTS 2026-2029;
• immediate operationalization and full capitalization of the FRLD;
• realizing a global plastics treaty that: cuts plastic production by at least 75% by 2040 with interim targets for 2030 and 2035, based on a 2019 baseline, to align with a 1.5°C compatible pathway; reduces virgin plastic production; regulates plastic products and materials by category to prevent regrettable substitutions and consequences of production; and mandates majority voting for future annexes to the treaty;
• governments to equip youth with practical skills in agroecology, and traditional and Indigenous
  farming methods, and to invest in school-based green innovation labs and youth-led agri-tech models;
• developing guidelines for sustainable, responsible, and just critical mineral value chains, incorporating full lifecycle assessment thresholds, adopting transparent and traceable supply chains, protecting human rights, including Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), and recognition and legal designation of no-go zones;
• supporting lifestyle changes and embedding these principles in national legal frameworks, policy plans, youth development agendas, fiscal incentives, and public information schemes;
• greater synergies in existing MEAs and science-policy bodies, and acknowledging the interconnectedness of the environment and human wellbeing under the One Health Approach;
• governments to provide sustained funding and institutional support for youth participation, such as mandating youth representation in national government delegations to key decision-making spaces, such as UNEA and MEA-related processes; and
• implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, stronger enforcement of Regional Seas Action Plans, a ban on deep-sea mining, and development of Wetlands Protection Legislation to fulfill governments’ Ramsar commitments.

Closing Plenary: Session moderator Vikrant Srivastava explained that the finalized Manifesto will inform deliberations at UNEA-7 when it meets in December 2025. Three keynote speakers then addressed the plenary.

Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, praised the work of youth in carrying actions to decision rooms, stating that “words alone do not feed families or protect our Ocean, our Moana.” He emphasized that youth voices would be conveyed to the MGS Forum, the Senior Officials Meeting, and the Ministerial Segment, and will also be conveyed to other UN dialogues, including the 80th session of UNGA in September 2025.

Ajay Kumar Jha, Centre for Community Economics and Development Consultants Society (CECOEDECON), India, and Asia-Pacific MGS Representative, highlighted progress on solar energy and work still needing to be achieved, such as: 1.5 times more renewable energy; more than doubling renewable energy financing; and reducing emissions by 50% by 2030. He stressed that decarbonization cannot be achieved in the Asia Pacific without international cooperation, and drew attention to the importance of climate justice and decolonization.

Dechen Tsering, Director, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP), welcomed the inspiring energy of the Youth Environment Forum. She noted that, “we witnessed powerful testimonies, bold ideas, and grounded solutions from across our region. From grassroots communities and youth leaders to scientists, civil society organizations, and advocacy networks, each voice has added depth and urgency to our shared mission and the need to act now.”

Science-Policy-Business Dialogue on the Environment for the Asia-Pacific Region

In parallel with the APYEF, the Science-Policy-Business Dialogue convened on Tuesday, 26 August, under the theme of “Growing Sustainable, Clean, Green Tech Economies: A Path to Resilience and Prosperity in Asia-Pacific.”

The dialogue explored how science, policy, and business can work together to accelerate sustainable technologies and solutions, while ensuring digital and financial transformations support inclusive, resilient, and environmentally-sound development. Discussions highlighted the enabling conditions needed to scale up and strengthen regional cooperation to ensure such transformations. The outcomes of the discussions informed senior officials’ and ministers’ consultations at the Sixth Forum.

Participants stressed that sustainability is required for the region’s survival, requiring practical, time-bound, and collaborative action. The dialogue included a call for governments, businesses, and citizens to turn science into urgent, tangible climate action, as science alone cannot overcome the gap left by policy inaction. It was noted that further science-based policymaking would be supported by the IPCC’s seventh assessment cycle, which prioritizes inclusivity, interdisciplinarity, and policy relevance. It was noted that the process for upcoming reports on climate and cities and short-lived climate pollutants, as well as the Seventh Assessment Report, are all underway.

A multi-stakeholder panel on green technology economies in the Asia Pacific highlighted the urgency of accelerating the transition toward sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economies and noted that the region—home to some of the world’s fastest growing economies—also faces acute climate vulnerability, rising seas, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Against this backdrop, the dialogue emphasized that investment in green technologies offers both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity. Participants also reviewed the UN Clean Technology Centre and Network as a platform for scaling up green technology.

Participants underlined the importance of embedding circular economy principles, adopting life-cycle approaches for emerging technologies (such as batteries and solar panels), and rethinking procurement policies to create demand for sustainable products. The private sector’s key role in driving innovation and sustainable finance was recognized, though continued capacity building is essential in the public and private sectors to further promote sustainable finance.

Participants noted sustainable finance could be scaled up by regulators, policymakers, and financial institutions through strengthening regulatory arrangements, developing green taxonomies that define which economic activities and investments are environmentally sustainable, and strengthening disclosure standards, as well as facilitating peer-to-peer exchange between banks and regulators. International frameworks such as the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions were highlighted as critical tools to align environmental protection with economic growth.

The dialogue discussed follow-up action to transform the region’s prospects including by: developing a short list of scalable solutions such as technologies and business models to be expanded across countries within two years; a partnership roster with responsibilities and timelines; and a follow-up mechanism.

Asia Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum

On Wednesday, the MGS Forum included a full day of activities beginning with opening keynotes followed by four targeted thematic sessions and an outcome statement.

Opening: Three civil society leaders introduced and moderated the Forum discussions: Frances Namoumou, Pacific Conference of Churches; Joy Hernandez, International Trade Union Confederation – Asia Pacific (ITUC-AP); and Chinkie Peliño-Golle, Regional Coordinator for Southeast and East Asia for IPEN and Asia and the Pacific MGS Coordinator.

Lenora Qereqeretabua, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Speaker for the Parliament of Fiji, called Pacific Islanders the custodians of a region “that hold the key to the health of humanity,” reminding all that “we are not convened for ceremony but for courage.” She urged everyone to be honest, bold, and united, stating that “multilateralism must work for the vulnerable, not just the powerful”.

Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, UNEA-7 President, encouraged using the MGS space to build alliances and make regional voices heard.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, highlighted “the transformative power of local advocacy,” noting that the ICJ historic opinion on the climate obligations of States came from the efforts of 27 law students from the Asia-Pacific region. She expressed appreciation for MGS as co-creators of solutions for a sustainable and equitable future and urged the Forum to produce actionable recommendations.

Ladislaus Chang’a, IPCC Vice-Chair, updated participants on progress toward the IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report, highlighting also the forthcoming special reports and methodology reports. He noted the IPCC’s work will support the Global Goal on Adaptation, and the Seventh Assessment Report will include chapters addressing loss and damage, finance, climate services and early warning, and implications of climate change for biodiversity and ecosystems.

Session 1: Context and Framing: Mitch Teofilo, Indigenous Peoples’ International Centre for Policy Research and Education, moderated the session. Alanna Smith, Te Ipukarea Society, Cook Islands, called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining to allow more time to better understand the environment affected and for that research to be independent.

Kala Peiris, Center for Women’s Research, Sri Lanka, described efforts to strengthen community involvement, civil society partnership with the state, and research and development, and ensuring access to information. Ravadee Prasertcharoensuk, Sustainable Development Foundation, Thailand, called for a paradigm shift from ecosystem exploitation to ecosystem protection, food sovereignty, and a human rights-based approach.

Shaila Shahid, GenderCC, Women for Climate Justice, Bangladesh, underscored the complexity of vulnerability, and described grassroots community initiatives, including women-led projects on biogas and clean cookstoves, community resilience, and mangrove restoration.

Looking towards UNEA-7, Ajay Kumar Jha, CECOEDECON, stressed climate justice, nuclear justice, food sovereignty, decolonization, and a need to shift the control of production systems to address equality, pollution, and the crisis of overproduction. He cautioned against technologies such as cloud brightening, ocean fertilization, and deep-sea mining.

Session 2: People’s Solutions and Innovations: Trinity of Climate, Nature and Pollution Actions: Wali Haider, Roots for Equity, Pakistan, moderated the session.

On barriers to innovations, panelists noted: women experience double the burden of violence and have low political representation; harassment of environmental defenders and criminalization of solutions make action difficult; gender gaps persist across energy and climate sectors; and Indigenous Peoples live in territories targeted for mining and dams and face intimidation and displacement. One success noted was the women-led disaster risk reduction project in India that implemented climate-resilient roofs, loans, and training in informal settlements. Panelist Robeliza Halip, Right Energy Partnership, the Philippines, said “Indigenous Peoples are not just stakeholders or vulnerable populations. We are put into this situation because of imposed development projects in our territories, without our prior informed consent.” 

On scalable solutions to address the triple planetary crises ahead of UNEA-7, discussion points included: support for the Pacific Resilience Facility to create access to finance for women and civil society; and ensuring renewable energy projects address waste generation. Daksha Vaja, Vadodara Community Science Center, India, stressed mainstreaming gender equality and inclusivity, to have “enhanced participation at all levels.” Noelene Nabulivou, Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality, Fiji, underscored the interconnections between terrestrial water and wetland systems to the health and survival of marine ecosystems, saying, “There is no blue without the green ecosystems.”

During the open comment period, topics raised related to: debates on investments in deep-sea mining and rare earth mining operations; carbon capture and storage; holding corporations and financiers accountable; building inter-regional solidarity strategies; and resource constraints for Pacific representation across 22 island states.

Session 3: Science, Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Advancing Solutions: State of Play, Challenges and Opportunities: Gomer Padong, Institute for Social Entrepreneurship in Asia, the Philippines, moderated this session. The panel first considered: Indigenous knowledge as part of the body of science, technology, and innovation; the need for pollution funding; an ethnobiodiversity framework for ecosystem management; and water security. Panelists then shared views on challenges and opportunities in AI as a solution to development.

Elenita Daño, For the Upliftment of Moral, Economic, Technological, and Socio-Spiritual Aspiration of People, the Philippines, asked, “What is the problem for which AI is the solution, and who defines that problem?” She warned that governments’ “obsession” with AI and purchasing digital tools is shifting resources away from hiring teachers and doctors, and is not relevant to communities who lack electricity or Internet access.

Bindiya Rashni, Wetlands Pasifika, Fiji, reflected that Indigenous People established and defined their environment before AI existed, overcoming many challenges. She cautioned that data centers to power AI use scarce water resources, which are under threat in the Pacific subregion, calling for the use of AI to be carefully considered in view of the need for benefit sharing, including with the next generation.

Kim Taiwhan, Asia Water Council, Republic of Korea, said AI is a useful tool if aligned with sustainable development and reflective of local priorities. He described the use of AI in predictive maintenance in water treatment plants, tailored irrigation, and safe water use. Ram Charitra Sah, Center for Public Health and Environmental Development, Nepal, underscored the importance of scientific data generation and disaggregation.

Participants discussed how to address these concerns in discussions for UNEA-7.

Session 4: Towards UNEA-7: Enhancing Multilateral Actions towards a Resilient Planet: Joy Hernandez, ITUC Asia Pacific and the Asia-Pacific Regional Civil Society Engagement Mechanism (APRCEM), moderated the session, inviting panelists to share recommendations on ensuring MEAs work for people and the planet.

On the outcomes of different MEAs, panelists noted milestones in recent years and gaps in others, including adoption of the GBF and BBNJ Agreement. However, they also lamented that financing gaps remain for implementing the GBF, and unfunded commitments to Indigenous Peoples under the Convention on Biological Diversity for digital sequencing.

On negotiations toward a plastics treaty, panelists bemoaned the focus on waste rather than the product lifecycle, and the stalled negotiations. Prem Singh Tharu, Asia Indigenous People’s Pact, Nepal, said “Plastic pollution isn’t coming from our communities; it comes from fossil fuel extraction and harmful chemicals.” Panelists also noted increased corporate lobbying, and poor enforcement and weak monitoring within the MEAs.

Additional recommendations included: strengthening rights-based approaches; integrating science with traditional knowledge; and ensuring resolutions are actionable, adequately funded, and rooted in human rights and equity. Acknowledging the challenges, Ajay Kumar Jha, CECOEDECON, noted, “Multilateralism is one step forward and two steps backward.” Urging greater protection for environmental defenders, Clarence Gio Almoite, CYMG, asked “How many UNEAs will it take for us to defend the defenders?”

In comments, participants called for applying the precautionary principle when science is incomplete, for example in relation to deep-sea mining, and lamented inadequate support for Indigenous communities, despite their having the greatest exposure to climate and biodiversity crises.

Session 5: MGS Interventions in the Sixth Forum: Julia Puno, Asia Pacific Research Network, the Philippines, summarized key areas addressed during the day, including: renewable energy, with many Pacific innovations led by Indigenous Peoples remaining unrecognized; gaps in climate finance, with loans creating debt burdens; biodiversity declines and pollution impacts disproportionately affecting the Pacific region, livelihoods, and the blue economy; environmental implications of expanding the use of AI and data centers; current multilateral processes not meeting civil society aspirations; and the need for budgets and work programmes that reflect Asia-Pacific priorities. She noted that the MGS Forum had recommended:

• ensuring the meaningful participation of communities most affected by climate change;
• protections for environmental defenders;
• rights-based approaches in multilateral processes;
• community-led approaches using traditional and Indigenous knowledge;
• adaptation grants, not loans;
• ensuring a just energy transition;
• rejecting corporate-based false solutions;
• reforming the global financial architecture, and canceling unsustainable debt; and
• advancing climate justice by removing barriers to technology transfer, and providing support for citizen science and community-driven innovation.

Topics considered during the open discussion included: deep-sea mining and concern about potential US exploration and exploitation; foreign investment in aquaculture and associated consequences leading to environmental degradation; marine governance, with calls for stronger marine spatial planning, blue economy safeguards, and recognition of wetlands as a universal right; and an emphasis on ensuring the Ocean and ecosystems are protected for future generations.

Dialogue between MGS and the UNEA-7 Presidency: Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri, President, UNEA-7 expressed hope that UNEA can focus on adopting fewer scientifically-based resolutions, and that resolutions are backed with funds for implementation. He expressed his commitment to attending each of the regional forums taking place before UNEA, to speak “face to face with member states who are responsible for the planet’s protection.”

During the Q&A session, participants raised questions related to: the feasibility of limiting the number of resolutions submitted to UNEA; the institutional design of the science-policy panels on chemicals and waste; the fate of the plastics treaty talks; balancing environmental protection with economic growth; and mining activities taking place at World Heritage Sites, deep-sea mining, and concerns over unregulated geoengineering experiments.

In response, Abdullah noted that any member state can submit a technical draft regarding changes to the mechanism of submitting resolutions to UNEA. On mining and minerals, he saw scope for a draft resolution to be proposed, adding that countries could benefit from establishing geo-parks to protect sensitive environmental locations. On geoengineering, he recalled a draft resolution on that topic had been withdrawn previously and favored focusing on “activities to protect our planet” before adopting technologies to combat negative impacts.

On chemicals and waste, he responded that: a UNEP committee will report on progress by the end of 2025 and UNEA-7 will provide the opportunity for Member States to discuss the future of the plastics treaty process. In closing, he highlighted the role of UNEA in delivering resolution text that later is adopted into negotiated convention text, showing that “mature resolutions can be impactful.”

Avenues for Intervention in the Forum: Subrata Sinha, UNEP, highlighted opportunities for MGS to contribute to the governance process, through commenting on the draft UNEP MTS 2026-2029, the draft of the UNEA-7 Ministerial Declaration, and the draft resolutions being proposed by countries. He advised also contributing to the role of subregional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), and to share success stories in developing sustainability solutions.

Message from the APYEF: Phebe Fidge delivered a summary of key messages from the APYEF, noting that Asia-Pacific youth urged leaders to remember they are borrowing from their children, not inheriting from their elders. She called for: ending fossil fuels; banning deep-sea mining; cutting plastic production; ensuring inclusive decision making; and capitalization of the FRLD. She requested support for a resolution focused on children and youth to address the needs of future generations, saying “We are running out of time to create the future you intend.”

Valedictory Session and Closing: Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, urged participants to carry the words spoken at the AGS back to their communities, institutions and governments, saying, “History is watching us. The children of our region are watching us.”

Dechen Tsering, Director, UNEP ROAP, said the “canoe” only moves forward when everyone paddles, and urged participants to row as one, “to carry our people forward toward a just and resilient future.”

Senior Officials Meeting

On Thursday, the Senior Officials Meeting convened in preparation for the Ministerial Segment on Friday. Senior officials provided substantive comments on the UNEP MTS, Programme of Work, and budget, as well as on the content of the Ministerial Declaration to be adopted at UNEA-7.

Agenda Item 1: Opening: On Thursday, Subrata Sinha, Forum Secretary, welcomed delegates. Wasantha Geethanjali Kumaragama, representing Sri Lanka as Chair of the Fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, moderated this session.

Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, said Fiji offered a new model of leadership, guided by moral clarity and courage to act. He called for the Forum to set clear targets and a plan of action with two distinct strategies: one for Asia and one for the Pacific.

Dechen Tsering, Director, UNEP ROAP, emphasized the opportunity to strengthen responses, inform and inspire global action, and promote inclusive and effective environmental governance.

Mosese Bulitavu, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, highlighted environmental integrity as a growth strategy, not a constraint, noting the Forum’s mandate to deliver to UNEA-7 a report that outlines action, accountability, and financing mechanisms in line with the theme of advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.

Election of Officials and Adoption of the Agenda: The Forum elected Sivendra Michael as Chair, and Monyneath Vann, Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, and Masako Ogawa, Deputy Director General, Global Environment Bureau, Japan, as Vice Chairs.

Delegates then adopted the provisional agenda (UNEP/APEnvForum(6)/L.1).

Review of Implementation of UNEA Resolutions in Asia Pacific: Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director, UNEP ROAP, opened the session inviting countries to “be bold about what comes next.”

Several countries called attention to the need to address production and the full life cycle of plastics and expressed concern with the process to implement UNEA resolution 5/14 on the plastics treaty. THAILAND, SRI LANKA, FIJI, BHUTAN, NAURU, LAO PDR, COOK ISLANDS, INDIA, and TUVALU urged strong action on plastic pollution. TUVALU requested UNEA-7 to support continuing plastics treaty talks, emphasizing “all the technical issues have been resolved; now we need a political process.” BHUTAN asked for guidance from the UNEA-7 President on a way forward and emphasized regional cooperation for addressing the “relentless tide of plastic pollution.” THAILAND highlighted the launch of its national Plastic Waste Roadmap 2018-2030, stressed the importance of producers playing a role in designing sustainable products, and noted the adoption of its national electronic waste law. INDIA highlighted its efforts to promote a circular economy in ten categories of waste nationwide, noting the sector’s significant employment potential, and its ban on single-use plastics since 2022. SRI LANKA drew attention to its commitment to halve nitrogen waste.

On climate change and air quality, THAILAND emphasized the need for ASEAN countries to collaborate on air quality to combat transboundary pollution. BHUTAN highlighted that their NDC integrates the social sector for the first time.

On biodiversity, INDONESIA drew attention to its work in mangrove and peatland restoration, coral reef conservation, and reducing marine pollution from land-based activities. CHINA reported its provision of USD 200 million to support Global South countries to implement biodiversity conservation under the GBF. KIRIBATI urged all countries to support SIDS, in addressing marine pollution, protecting coral reefs, and maintaining fisheries. SINGAPORE highlighted the importance of water policies and the launch of the Singapore Water Center.

On governance, JAPAN discussed multilateral partnerships, stressed the importance of promoting synergies through on-the-ground implementation, and announced the forthcoming 2026 Asia Pacific Synergy Report. CHINA expressed its long-standing commitment to environmental multilateralism “with UNEP at its core.” Several countries emphasized the need for continuous funding, technology transfer, and enhancing access to financing.

The PACIFIC CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES spoke on behalf of the Pacific region’s feminists, calling for climate justice and ending carbon trading, on the basis that all must take action.

UNEP’s Draft Medium-term Strategy 2026-2029 and Programme of Work 2026-2027: Kakuko Yoshida, UNEP, presented the Draft Medium-Term Strategy 2026-2029 (UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/2) and the Programme of Work and Budget for the biennium 2026-2027 (UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/2a), explaining the draft was developed through more than 45 consultations, including regional and global dialogues. She noted that, based on responses, the draft now incorporates: the unique needs and challenges of the Asia-Pacific region; pollution challenges in low-industrialized countries; support for the circular economy; synergies with MEAs and other UN entities; disaster risk reduction; recognizing the rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities and youth; and the need for improvements in early warning systems (EWS), capacity building, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing.

 Introducing the budget, she noted that: the proposed amount of USD 1.113 billion for the biennium was an increase over 2024; the UNEP Environment Fund for the time period would be maintained at approximately USD 200 million; and the human resources component includes 895 staff positions across all subprogrammes and funding sources.

The REPUBLIC OF KOREA expressed concern that INC 5.2 for the plastics treaty had concluded without reaching consensus. He called for deepening cooperation in the circular economy, including plastics, scaling up approaches such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and harnessing data and digital systems for water management and EWS.

CHINA warned that the current MTS is the last one to be adopted before the 2030 deadline to meet the SDGs, and called on all member states to adhere to the principles of equity, common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities (CBDR-RC), as established under the UNFCCC.

FIJI said climate change is a threat multiplier, emphasized the centrality of the Ocean, and drew attention to the growing shortfall in financing for climate action.

NAURU emphasized links between climate, GHG emissions from waste, and health, and called for including climate and waste in the MTS One Health approach, and recognizing waste impacts as a form of loss and damage.

AUSTRALIA urged acknowledgement of Indigenous rights and cautioned against use of language not agreed internationally. JAPAN welcomed reference to synergies and highlighted the role of the Environment Management Group. INDONESIA called for delivery of finance mechanisms, incentives reform, and equitable technology transfer. INDIA emphasized: land degradation; stronger monitoring; and ocean management in a cross-sectional framework.

The MALDIVES, COOK ISLANDS, and TUVALU urged greater emphasis on SIDS’ needs. KIRIBATI underscored regional cooperation, funding for technical support, and EWS. TUVALU called for a legal framework to protect displaced communities and developing rights-based protections across national borders. SOLOMON ISLANDS urged attention to overfishing and pollution, and integrating ocean management and marine protected areas into the MTS Land and Nature thematic subprogramme.

The UN DEVELOPMENT COORDINATION OFFICE highlighted plastics and ocean health, gaps in data, financing access, and the need for a stronger UNEP presence in the Pacific.

WWF emphasized the full participation of women and youth, noting links to GBF Target 23 on gender equality, and urging ratification of the BBNJ Agreement.

Delegates then heard statements from the APYEF, the Science-Policy-Business Dialogue, and the MGS.

The APYEF warned against speculative and untested technologies such as solar radiation, and called for: strengthening EPR, banning deep-sea mining, and implementing the BBNJ Agreement and other MEAs. They also called for sustainable food systems and an ethical and responsible supply chain in renewable energy, moving away from extractive economies, and acting responsibly, guided by science and remaining within our planetary boundaries.

The Science-Policy-Business Dialogue noted the region is home to some of the world’s fast-growing economies, and that investment in green technologies offers opportunities. Highlighting the private sector’s role in driving sustainable finance, the statement suggested finance be scaled up through the development of green taxonomies, which would define which technologies are financially sustainable. 

MGS called for applying the “polluter pays” principle, banning deep-sea mining, securing a strong, legally binding treaty on plastics, and designating no-go zones for minerals extraction.

Role of the Environment Fund for Delivering the UNEP Programme of Work: Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, introduced the agenda item (UNEP/APEnvForum/(6)/3). Explaining that the Fund was established in 1972, she emphasized that it provides core resources to implement the Programme of Work, and is financed voluntarily by countries, whose contributions totaled USD 5.2 million in 2024. Mrema noted the steady increase since 2015 in the percentage of member states who pay their full share, and that the UNEA-approved budget amount has remained steady at around USD 100 million annually, despite rising environmental demands. She explained that a fully funded Environment Fund supports a strong Secretariat and strengthens the ability to leverage other funds. She noted the current UNEP project portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region totals USD 484 million, and includes substantial support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), and a small amount of less than 4% from the UN regular budget. Examples of UNEP-funded Asia-Pacific projects included: EWS on climate events; sustainable management of key coastal ecosystems; electrification of two- and three-wheelers; and restoration of degraded forests, rangelands, and terraced lands.

During country comments, SRI LANKA stressed UNEP’s production of authoritative assessments, capacity building, and convening power. FIJI called the Fund “a lifeline,” expressed concern that earmarked funding is outpacing flexible resources, and called for strategic investment in regional institutions and support for innovative funds to attract additional sources. BHUTAN highlighted UNEP’s convening power and said contributions are collective investments in protecting the planet. Underscoring the limited resources available, CHINA proposed streamlining the “to-do list,” and conducting a smaller-scale demonstration project for similar groups such as SIDS or mountainous areas to build confidence and impact.

PACIFIC CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS highlighted ensuring people-centered solutions and improved access for women and youth with disabilities to national disaster planning. CYMG urged increased accessible funding for children and youth, called on Member States to support and co-sponsor a resolution on children and youth, and encouraged sponsorship of youth participation at UNEA-7.

Draft Ministerial Declaration of the UNEA-7: UNEA-7 President Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri introduced the draft Ministerial Declaration (UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/4). He explained that further consultations will take place during the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) meeting on 17 September in Nairobi, which will convene in a hybrid format, and that the consultative process will be concluded before UNEA-7.

On ocean issues, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, and FIJI welcomed mention of the new BBNJ Agreement, and FIJI said its ratification must be ensured. NEW ZEALAND requested greater focus on slow-onset disasters, including sea-level rise, and the COOK ISLANDS proposed outlining the outcomes of the UN Ocean Conference.

The COOK ISLANDS, FIJI, TUVALU, and the MALDIVES requested greater emphasis on support for SIDS. FIJI stressed that “adequate and predictable means of implementation” are insufficient. With INDIA, he called for scaling up climate and biodiversity finance, stressing that “every nation, no matter its size, must have a secure and prosperous future.” With reference to developing countries in general, THAILAND suggested technology transfer and academic exchanges. INDIA noted technology transfer is “a driver of equity” and INDONESIA called for “just and equal” financing.

On natural resource issues, SRI LANKA highlighted the importance of groundwater management and NEW ZEALAND requested stronger references to water quality and quantity.

On climate, SRI LANKA requested reflecting recognition of loss and damage. CHINA said the “just transition” must also apply to the international context. BHUTAN requested explicit recognition of the role of mountains as water towers. AUSTRALIA announced its intention to host UNFCCC COP-31 in partnership with the Pacific islands. TUVALU highlighted the need for countries to understand the legal implications of the ICJ advisory opinion.

On plastic waste, JAPAN expressed disappointment that the INC negotiations toward a plastics treaty had not resulted in an agreement, and suggested adding language on plastics to the Ministerial Declaration. AUSTRALIA expressed commitment to addressing the lifecycle of plastics. TUVALU requested UNEP to organize a meeting that can produce a treaty text to be accepted during UNEA-7.

NEW ZEALAND called for promoting synergies between MEAs, in line with the UN80 Initiative, a system-wide reform process launched in May 2025. INDIA requested addition of a paragraph on sustainable lifestyles.

ASEAN emphasized reflecting principles of One Health. TE IPUKAREA SOCIETY stressed a moratorium on deep-sea mining and that “FPIC is not just a tick box, it is a right.” INDIGENOUS PEOPLES said recognition of Indigenous knowledge must go hand-in-hand with recognizing Indigenous rights, including for self-determination, FPIC, data sovereignty and governance, and land tenure. WOMEN called for reflecting the circumstances of armed conflict and differentiated responsibilities. WWF proposed text additions encouraging countries to include biodiversity action in their National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and mentioned inclusivity, finance, and gender action plans.

Abdullah said the Declaration needed to remain at a strategic not a technical level.

Draft Resolutions for UNEA-7: Four draft resolutions (UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/5) were submitted to plenary for consideration:

• International Environmental Cooperation for Country-specific Strategies to Accelerate the Transition to a Circular Economy (6/Res/1), sponsored by the Republic of Korea;
• Accelerating Global Action to Promote the Climate Resilience of Coral Reefs (6/Res/2), sponsored by Fiji;
• Enhancing the Meaningful Participation of Children and Youth in Environmental and Climate Change Action (6/Res/3), sponsored by Sri Lanka; and
• Strengthening the Global Response on the Management of Wildfires (6/Res/5.1), sponsored by India.

JAPAN submitted a concept note for a draft resolution on “Promoting Synergies, Cooperation or Collaboration for National Implementation of MEAs and Other Relevant Environmental Instruments” (6/Res/4), and invited input to the draft.

TUVALU signaled it would submit two resolutions on: a regional legal framework giving rights-based protection to people displaced across national borders due to climate change; and on urgent actions for sea-level rise and accelerated impacts due to emissions scenarios.

CYMG welcomed the draft resolution on the participation of youth and children and requested an opportunity to provide inputs, which INDONESIA supported. CYMG also called for including green and decent work for all and investment incentive strategies, in the draft resolution on the circular economy.

Multilateral Environmental Cooperation to Tackle Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss and Land Degradation, and Pollution: Elizabeth Mrema, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, opened the session. She noted that frameworks exist to deliver solutions, but accelerated cooperation is essential to transform the way we live and to create an economy that is inclusive and respectful of natural systems. She highlighted promoting synergies across climate, biodiversity, chemicals, and waste agendas.

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, BRS Conventions, shared lessons from the merger of the three conventions, and emphasized moving beyond silos, harmonizing decision-making, and applying life-cycle approaches.

Youssef Nassef, Director, UNFCCC, noted the persistence of fragmentation across MEAs, but also opportunities for convergence. He highlighted UNEP’s role as a catalyst and suggested a convening of MEAs to explore pinpointing the operational elements.

Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, CBD, speaking by video, underscored the whole-of-society, whole-of-government approach of the GBF, noted regional leadership from the Asia Pacific, and said current national ambition falls short.

During country comments, SRI LANKA stressed the importance of updated national action plans. BANGLADESH emphasized the need for capacity building, technology transfer, access to finance and transboundary collaboration. BHUTAN highlighted biodiversity loss and land degradation, and called for closing gaps in financing, innovation, and capacity.

FIJI called for UNEP to support SIDS in developing national strategies and emphasized the role of traditional knowledge for developing effective local management strategies. NEW ZEALAND said sustainable finance and addressing harmful subsidies would be good places to start. TUVALU called for consistent strategies and ensuring FPIC.

GREENPEACE urged stronger protections for forests, ecosystems, and Indigenous rights and called for no-go mining zones, accountability for environmental damage from armed conflict, and increased resource mobilization.

During closing comments, panelists noted: existing commitments to synergies and cooperation; challenges associated with harmonizing reporting standards across different MEAs; and the need for consistency, political will, and concrete translation of commitments into action.

Endorsement of the Report of the Senior Officials Meeting of the Sixth Session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: Participants took note of the report. They authorized the Chair to work with the Secretariat to finalize the summary, based on all inputs received from delegates.

Sivendra Michael noted strong convergence across agenda items and closed the Senior Officials Meeting at 8:17 pm.

Ministerial Segment

On Friday, environmental ministers convened for a full day of discussions, including a dialogue with stakeholders from around the Asia-Pacific region. Over 300 participants, comprising ministers, senior officials, intergovernmental and international organizations, UN organizations, and MGS—including 20 youth representatives—attended the Ministerial Segment.

Opening: The Ministerial Segment opened with a traditional Fijian welcome ceremony showcasing local culture and connection to the environment, and celebrating local foods (cassava) and drink (kava). In opening remarks, Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister, Fiji, noted the 2024 decision by the International Tribunal for Law of the Sea that GHG emissions constitute marine pollution under UNCLOS, and the July 2025 ICJ advisory opinion on States’ obligations with respect to climate change. He said the Asia Pacific region must lead with confidence, clarity, and credibility. He outlined Fiji’s actions on renewable energy, digitizing for climate resilience, and revising trade policies through a sustainability lens. On global priorities, he stressed: fast, direct, and predictable access to the FRLD; continued efforts on the plastics treaty; and advancing efforts on climate justice. Calling the Forum a convergence of leadership and urgency, he said let it be known the Asia Pacific ministers “met and moved.”

Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President, UNEA-7, and President, Environment Authority, Oman, called for urgency and collaboration, and prioritizing: harnessing science for action, tied to the local context; fostering equitable progress that reflects all civil society voices; mobilizing resources through partnerships; and building circular systems through SCP.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, encouraged Member States to maintain and increase support to the UN Environment Fund by providing their full-share contributions. She noted that by doing so they would be investing in the long-term resilience of the region.

Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment, Sri Lanka, and Chair Representative of the Fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, said the environment is no longer a separate agenda, but underpins economies, security, and the wellbeing of our people. He called for frank, forward-looking, and focused, tangible actions.

Eparama Qerewaqa, CYMG to UNEP, called for full, grant-based operationalization and capitalization of the LRLD for SIDS, in line with the recent ICJ advisory opinion. He urged that the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment be enshrined in domestic law and emphasized the importance of intergenerational leadership.

Election of Officers and Adoption of the Agenda: Delegates elected Mosese Bulitavu as Chair, and Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Environment, Maldives, and Rasio Ridho Sani, Deputy Minister of Environment, Indonesia, as Vice Chairs.

Chair Bulitavu called for a spirit of cooperation and announced the Ministerial Segment would be in a hybrid format for full, effective, and inclusive engagement. Delegates adopted the agenda.

Ministerial Dialogue on Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet in Asia and The Pacific: Chair Bulitavu moderated the session. Dechen Tsering, Director, UNEP ROAP, said the Asia-Pacific region is at the center of the global transformation toward sustainability, but the world faces funding gaps for climate (USD 7.5 trillion) and biodiversity (USD 700 million) finance. She described: harnessing emerging technology for early warning and data generation; developing taxonomies for financial institutions, insurance, and asset managers; budgetary reforms; and the Fifth Montevideo Environmental Law Programme. She said the digital transformation must be sustainable.

On climate, SOLOMON ISLANDS stressed the importance of voices on the frontline and moving beyond commitment to acting with agency. VANUATU and TUVALU welcomed the ICJ advisory opinion, with VANUATU proposing to use it to galvanize support for the FRLD. TUVALU described engineering projects in land reclamation and sea walls to try to ensure that “the people of Tuvalu have a place called home, now and forever.” The PHILIPPINES noted that 63% of regional GDP for the Asia-Pacific (USD 90 trillion) is at risk due to nature loss and climate change. AUSTRALIA stated its willingness to host UNFCCC COP-31 in partnership with the Pacific region. INDIA and BANGLADESH urged equal attention and support for mitigation and adaptation. PAKISTAN called for stronger international climate cooperation to deliver on the Paris Agreement and to secure the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment in national policy.

On progress towards a plastics treaty, TUVALU, the COOK ISLANDS, and MONGOLIA requested resumption and conclusion of the plastics treaty negotiations by the end of the year. JAPAN, supported by the REPUBLIC OF KOREA, called for increasing momentum through the UNEA-7 Ministerial Declaration to affirm that the next negotiating session will reach an agreement. To complement the UNEA process, SRI LANKA proposed establishing a regional collaboration and monitoring arrangement to address marine plastic pollution in order to strengthen legal and financing, innovation, and technology solutions, including harmonized data and EWS. AUSTRALIA expressed commitment to a full lifecycle approach to plastics management, and for common, binding rules to tackle plastic pollution.

Many countries highlighted: the value of partnerships and leveraging synergies for MEA implementation; commitments to a circular economy; nature-based solutions (NbS); and protection of mountain and ocean ecosystems. CHINA called for a new landscape for green development of the Asia-Pacific and proposed the region increase global financial support for these endeavors.

Concluding the session, Sivendra Michael noted the clear mandate for finalizing a high-ambition plastics treaty, and the role of the ICJ advisory opinion in sharpening accountability for action across MEAs.

Multistakeholder Dialogue: Partnership to Promote Sustainable Solutions in Asia and the Pacific (Challenges and Opportunities): IPCC Vice-Chair Chang’a warned that the chances of limiting global warming to 1.5°C are “increasingly slim,” noting the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report showed the planet had already warmed by 1°C since pre-industrial times and climate impacts are intensifying. He envisaged a future in which climate action successfully delivers co-benefits for air quality and health, guided by science, “for the people who deserve a livable planet.”

Dindo Campilan, Regional Director, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), pointed to successes of IUCN’s multistakeholder approach, including the BBNJ Agreement. He noted this stemmed from the work of a high-ambition coalition for a high seas treaty, and from the Asia Protected Areas Partnership, co-chaired by IUCN and the Maldives.

Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator, Fiji Multi-Country Office, highlighted successes of multistakeholder cooperation, such as French Polynesia’s creation of the world’s largest marine reserve in 2025.

Hanna Helsingen, WWF Pacific, described her organization’s work on “blue corridors” to protect whale and turtle migration routes, and called for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, referring to the Ocean as “our greatest partnership.”

Sangmin Nam, Director, Environment and Development Division, UN ESCAP, pointed to successes in renewable energy generation, and action on air pollution. He invited countries’ cooperation to scale up a regional partnership for NbS.

Ajay Jha, on behalf of ASIA-PACIFIC MAJOR GROUPS AND STAKEHOLDERS, warned that “multistakeholderism” may provide undue access to decision-making processes for corporations, while failing to benefit least developed countries (LDCs), and that wealth has increasingly moved into private hands, away from governments and communities.

JAPAN emphasized maximizing synergies for the Asia-Pacific region and providing relevant guidance to government practitioners. BHUTAN called for building internal capacity to become “living laboratories for green investment,” and co-creating just, inclusive markets. KIRIBATI called for addressing financing and technology gaps and scaling up regional cooperation, and stressed that partnerships with financial institutions are key.

FIJI championed “inclusive multilateralism,” to empower local actors and move beyond consultation to co-design approaches.

INDIA drew attention to its engagement in the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and the Infrastructure for Resilient Island States, and invited other countries to join these partnerships.

INDIGENOUS PEOPLES AND THEIR COMMUNITIES emphasized rights-based partnerships, including for projects related to the energy transition, and ensuring that women and Indigenous youth have access to decision making, saying that climate justice requires accountability. CYMG identified as priorities: financing that reaches the frontlines of those most affected; improved EWS and air quality; and increased synergies among MEAs. PACIFIC FEMINISTS DEFENDING THE LIVING PLANET called for climate justice, not charity.

In closing, panelists commented on: the need for courage to ask difficult questions; finance support for high-integrity projects; the importance of Indigenous Peoples and community-led transitions; support for CYMG who bring ideas and act faster; developing relationships with unconventional partners; and grounding solutions in the best available science.

Role of Subregional Organizations and Bodies in Accelerating Sustainable Solutions in the Region: Baron Waqa, Secretary-General, PIF, noted the PIF helps translate regional and global priorities into national realities, and emphasized: a focus on delivery and impact; UN support must ensure implementation is owned and led by those on the ground; and partnerships are the strongest asset of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (by video), noted its focus on regional collaboration, citing as examples, its Joint Working Group on Environment and Climate Change, and development of a disaster management plan for response to regional disasters.

Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), highlighted: ACB’s biodiversity data expertise; workshops on capacity building, Target 3 of the GBF, and Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECM) knowledge sharing; and mobilizing resources.

Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, ICIMOD, said its transboundary work links scientific evidence to policy, and requires a whole-of-society approach, legislative advocacy, and engagement with the finance sector.

Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General, SPREP, said SPREP’s role is to amplify Pacific voices for MEAs, and emphasized: increasing access to finance; regional networks and roundtables; and support for national implementation of global goals through technical advice and services.

SRI LANKA proposed identifying new funding, technical support, and capacity building for addressing the triple planetary crisis, underscoring an urgent need for environmental platforms in Asia.

BHUTAN said investing in subregional bodies is the most effective strategy for sustainable solutions, and called for strengthening UNEPs relationship with subregional organizations, who are the “translators of global commitments into actions.” SINGAPORE noted that subregional groups can provide institutional responses and provide joint statements on global issues. BANGLADESH emphasized bringing national actors, who may remain silent or in the dark, into partnerships.

FIJI called on UNEP to shift from funding national projects to regional ones to generate capacity building and technical assistance; urged the Forum to recognize and strengthen SPREP’s role as a key partner in the region; and called on UNEP and the MEA Secretariats to provide direct support to SPREP to develop integrated regional action plans and harmonize action and regional knowledge.

In response to comments, Waqa noted the PIF Secretariat was undertaking a review of agencies in the region to ensure complementarity in partnerships. Nawadra noted the crucial role subregional organizations play in implementing MEAs and called on countries to support SPREP. Gyamtsho emphasized strengthening cooperation within and across subregions and asked UNEP to continue the goal of coordinating subregional bodies.

PACIFIC FEMINISTS DEFENDING THE LIVING PLANET proposed developing a resolution on subregional organizations and bodies. The WOMEN’S MAJOR GROUP called for institutionalizing gender responses, including those at the front line of fisheries, aquaculture, and disaster response. CYMG proposed convening a consultative mechanism that includes children and youth and to centralize a youth engagement process. They encouraged subregional organizations to establish institutional partnerships with the UN system, grounded in MEAs.

Senior Officials Meeting Report and Outcomes of the Sixth Session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific: Bulitavu, as Chair of the Sixth Forum, presented the draft Chair’s Summary of the Ministerial Segment and Senior Officials Meeting Report, which delegates endorsed.

Closing: In closing remarks, Mrema said the Forum had been remarkable for the unprecedented level of participation from Pacific countries, which provided an invaluable contribution to the dialogue, and served as a milestone on the way to UNEA-7. She warmly thanked all delegates, participants, and organizers for their efforts, and the Australian government for its support of the Forum. Quoting the Fijian writer Epeli Hau’ofa, “Our sea of islands is not a barrier but a highway to other worlds,” she expressed appreciation for the Pacific’s power to unite people, and the ability of Pacific peoples to cooperate for change.

Forum Chair Bulitavu thanked all delegates for their active participation and valuable contributions. He said the Forum had demonstrated “a true spirit of cooperation” and looked forward to delegates’ continued engagement in strengthening the regional environmental agenda. He closed the Forum at 7:23 pm.

Side Events

During the week, eleven side events took place, of which five are featured in this report. Besides those covered below, other side events focused on: air quality targets; plastic pollution; managing end-of-life EVs and EV batteries; gender-responsive technology and finance; ozone protection; and EWS.

From Commitment to Actions: Scaling Up Food Systems Transformation for a Resilient Planet: Building on the Momentum of the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4): Opening this Wednesday event, Stefanos Fotiou, Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), called for increasing climate finance for food system transformation, and Sandro Demaio, World Health Organization (WHO), noted food systems worldwide account for one-third of GHG emissions.

In a scene-setting panel, Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator, Fiji Multi-Country Office, called for aligning food systems with national mitigation, adaptation, and biodiversity targets. Fotiou warned against treating food, land, and water as commodities, and called for independent guidelines for corporate accountability in food systems.

The second panel presented national initiatives. Indonesia highlighted that it is incorporating food system transformation into its NDC. Lao PDR noted its roadmap to eliminating food loss and waste.

The third panel discussed accelerating action. Panelists from IUCN, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the GEF explained the need to move from pilot projects that provide proof-of-concept, to designing bankable and scalable projects to access financing. He proposed drawing on available finances, for example, through supporting youth entrepreneurs. Asaeli Naika, youth representative, Fiji, pointed to practical solutions such as village vegetable gardens that are often overlooked in NAPs.

In closing, Andrew Tukana, Permanent Secretariat of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, Fiji, called for food system transformation to emphasize equity and resilience and actions.

Scaling-up Actions on One Health for a Resilient Planet: Addressing Triple Planetary Environmental Crisis through a One Health Approach: On Wednesday, a dozen speakers from UNEP and across the region provided insight to the implementation of the One Health approach, which addresses human, animal, and ecosystem health together.

Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director, UNEP, emphasized that preventive action through One Health would yield USD 37 billion in benefits, while costing less than 10% of that sum. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary for Ministry for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, called for One Health to be engrained in decision making at all scales. Marlene Nilsson, UNEP, then moderated three panel sessions.

Scene setting: Andre Furco, World Organisation for Animal Health Sub-regional Representation for South-East Asia, discussed MEAs, and NBSAPs and One Health Action Plans. Scott Newman, FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized the role of ministries of forestry, wildlife, natural resource management, and the environment in upstream disease prevention. He also stressed the need to ensure these sectors are part of health-related decision making and One Health Plans of Action. He highlighted the interlinkages between implementing One Health and MEAs.

Experience on One Health in the Region: Jerome Montemayor, ACB, described the evolving work of ASEAN in mainstreaming biodiversity for health, including through the ASEAN Leaders Declaration on One Health and the ASEAN One Health Network. He noted the ASEAN Biodiversity Dashboard would be enhanced to include animal and public health information. Sefanaia Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General, SPREP, described the organization of three Pacific roundtables on climate change (2024), waste (2025), and nature conservation (2026), noting health considerations had emerged in all conversations. He underscored the importance of a consultative process on One Health.

What’s next in scaling-up actions on One Health?: Benjamin Coghlan, Asian Development Bank (ADB), encouraged embracing One Health to address the triple planetary crisis and focus on cost-effective upstream solutions. He called for more concretely tying national plans to operations and budgets, noting ADB had just launched a new framework for integrating environment, cultural, and health impact assessments.

Sam Beckwith, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, UK, highlighted the UK’s support for One Health, including through the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action, the ASEAN-UK Health Security Partnership, and an International Health Regulations Strengthening Project supporting ASEAN countries.

Sione Akauola, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications, Tonga, emphasized the Ridge to Reef model that links land to sea management.

Sandro Demaio, Director, WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health in the Western Pacific Region, highlighted the upstream determinants of health, and the value of integrating data sources, such as bringing health data into EWS, while also integrating early warning into health systems.

Johnson Kao, Tzu Chi Foundation, described opportunities for institutional-level change using a case example of a 948-bed teaching hospital built on sustainability principles, which included plant-forward diets, carbon neutrality, and green procurement.

Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, underlined the importance of regional solidarity for One Health and inclusive leadership reflecting lived realities. He called for embedding One Health into national development plans for climate and environment and pledged that Fiji will champion One Health as a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Living at the Water’s Edge: Strengthening Environmental Rule of Law, Health and Access to Justice in Environmental Matters across the Pacific: On Wednesday, Georgina Lloyd, UNEP, moderated this event.

The first session focused on country perspectives on environmental justice and climate change, including sea-level rise. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, emphasized that the ICJ rejected the argument that climate change treaties render other modes of international law inapplicable.

Dechen Tsering, UNEP ROAP, highlighted incorporating climate justice and human rights into national and regional legal frameworks, and advancing economic justice, access to information, and public participation. Ralph Regenvanu, Minister of Climate Change Adaptation, Meteorology and Geo-Hazards, Energy, Environment and Disaster Management, Vanuatu, urged support for an upcoming UNGA resolution to operationalize the ICJ advisory opinion.

Esa Sharon Mona Ainuu, Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources, Niue, emphasized regulating private actors, especially the fossil fuel industry and the financial sector; addressing the rights of climate-displaced persons; and safeguarding intergenerational equity. Justice Leiataualesa Daryl Clarke, Supreme Court of Samoa, highlighted the role of Pacific law students who dared to dream of change, and the ICJ ruling as a step toward global accounting.

Presentations by other panelists emphasized that: the ICJ establishes that sovereignty remains even if countries are submerged; and the ICJ advisory opinion was born from the hope of youth, whose courage affirmed the legal duty of States to act.

The second session focused on framing the future in the context of the environmental rule of law, sea-level rise, health, and justice. Recommendations from a UNEP-supported study across 14 Pacific Island countries included stronger constitutional recognition of environmental rights, alignment with regional and global commitments, and strengthened monitoring and enforcement. On linkages between climate change and health, a forthcoming Lancet Commission project will explore the ethical, cultural, social, and economic dimensions of sea-level rise, health and justice. Other key points stressed strengthening regional cooperation on environmental law and justice, empowering national institutions and civil society, and ensuring Pacific voices continue to shape global agendas.

Promoting Synergies for National Implementation of MEAs: Asia-Pacific Perspectives and UNEA Resolution 6/4 Progress: On Thursday, Miki Fukuda, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, introduced this event.

Mosese Bulitavu, Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, said fragmented approaches to collective issues are a problem and promoting synergies across MEAs is an essential foundation for success at UNEA-7, and called for regional consensus. Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Director General, UNEP, called for “institutionalizing coherence.”

Masako Ogawa, Ministry of Environment, Japan, said its resolution proposal to UNEA-7 centers on sharing of good practices and providing an opportunity to address wide ranging environmental challenges.

Georgina Lloyd, UNEP, discussed the Bern process for cooperation across biodiversity-related agreements and noted UNEP is compiling case studies to showcase implementation.

Dindo Campilan, IUCN, outlined the forthcoming Asia Pacific Synergy Report, which covers climate, nature, pollution, cities, national planning, and means of implementation.

Sangmin Nam, Director, UN ESCAP, then moderated a panel. Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, UNEA-7 President, expressed hope for an ambitious, action-oriented resolution.

Ilima Kloulchad, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and the Environment, Palau, discussed local multistakeholder projects. Fleur Downard, Department of Climate Change Energy, the Environment and Water, Australia, highlighted that the UNEP MTS harnesses synergies for NbS, integrated health-environmental policies, and circular economy approaches. She highlighted her country’s Nature Repair Market that enables credits across Rio Convention commitments.

Ladislaus Chang’a, Vice-Chair, IPCC, explained that Working Group II of the Sixth Assessment Report highlighted synergies across MEAS, and said that the IPCC is taking a synergistic approach to organizing joint scoping meetings across its three working groups for the Seventh Assessment Report. Yoko Watanabe, ADB, discussed: the Nature Solutions Finance Hub leveraging NbS for multiple, simultaneous benefits; and mobilizing USD 1.5 billion to scale up NbS in the Asia-Pacific, including through issuing USD 100 million in the first biodiversity bonds of the development banks with the goal to have a nature bonds incubator.

Uniting for 30×30: Catalyzing Marine and Coastal Conservation in the Asia Pacific: On Friday, moderator Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji, opened the event, noting adoption of the GBF, which committed countries to conserve 30% of land and the Ocean by 2030. He said only 2-3% of marine and coastal areas are fully protected, underscoring the urgency of action.

Alfred Ralifo, WWF, shared a case study about a single project that: mobilized local women; established a solar system to refrigerate fish for sale; and protected habitats of two islands used by nesting turtles. He also noted work to protect seamounts and an online data portal that maps whale migration.

Andrew Paris, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, said Fiji first committed to area-based targets in 2005, and the 30x30 target is a key feature in its 2021 Climate Change Act. Noting Fiji’s economic reliance on the tuna industry, he stressed integrating traditional knowledge, best available science, and community voices.

Sarah Wyatt, GEF, noted GEF’s support for MPAs and ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, emphasized conservation is about more than just no-take zones, and highlighted enforcement, including through community engagement.

Inia Corerega, IUCN, emphasized the use of spatial data for assisting governments in decision making, noting robust data helps clarify the status of conservation efforts.

Ichiro Hama, Ministry of the Environment, Japan, said his country aims to meet the 30x30 target, and highlighted annual monitoring surveys and OECM certification.

Mahesh Pradhan, Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA), explained COBSEA is part of UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme, and described the creation of a collaborative MPA network and hosting of a workshop on OECMs.

Alifereti Tawake, Locally Managed Marine Area Network, explained the network includes 2,000 communities across the Pacific, and supports management based on available science and traditional knowledge. He noted Fiji’s 470 locally-managed sites cover 79% of inshore fishing areas, and underscored management of fishing grounds as a way to achieve 30% coastal protection.

During closing comments, panelists discussed: mainstreaming ocean commitments; using data to inform community-led decision making; GEF commitments to prioritize support for SIDS and LDCs for GBF projects; elevating nature; transforming food systems; and capacity building.