UN Environment Assembly – UNEA

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, with a universal membership of all 193 UN Member States. UNEA meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law. The Assembly provides leadership, catalyzes intergovernmental action on the environment, and contributes to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNEA also serves as the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

UNEA was established as a result of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, also known as Rio+20) in June 2012, where the outcome document, The Future We Want, called on the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to strengthen and upgrade UNEP. The UNGA then adopted resolution 67/213 on strengthening and upgrading UNEP and establishing universal membership of its GC. In March 2013, the UNGA further adopted resolution 67/251, which changed the designation of the UNEP Governing Council (GC) to the UNEA of the UNEP.

Events

Showing 1 - 10 of 28 results

UN Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment Special Sessions at UNEA-6

The United Nations Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF) convened a day-long Special Session at UNEA-6. Building on recent UN-SPBF regional and thematic processes and outcomes of expert groups, and with a focus on “solution-driven thought-leadership,” the day was organized around moderated, interactive debates and deep-dive segments introducing perspectives and contributions from multiple sectors and stakeholders.
Event 27 February 2024

Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF) at UNEA-6

Serving as the prep meeting for major groups and stakeholders attending the UN Environment Assembly, talks will be organized around the UNEA-6 theme of “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.”
Event 24 February 2024 - 25 February 2024

UNEA-6 and OECPR-6

Under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” delegates adopted 15 resolutions, two decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration, covering topics including the highly hazardous pesticides, sustainable lifestyles, sand and dust storms, and environmental recovery in areas affected by armed conflict.
Event 19 February 2024 - 1 March 2024

2nd Meeting of the Ad Hoc Open-ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel to Contribute Further to the Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste and to Prevent Pollution

Delegates worked to develop proposals for the establishment of the science-policy panel to contribute to the sound management of chemicals and waste, and the prevention of pollution. Discussions focused on: scope, functions, operating principles, and conflict of interest; institutional arrangements and relationships with key stakeholders; and work-related processes and procedures.
Event 9 December 2023 - 15 December 2023

UNEA Flagship Side Events

During the resumed Fifth Session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), side events focused on “Strengthening actions for nature to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals” and the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
Event 28 February 2022 - 4 March 2022

2nd UNEA Cities and Regions Summit

Participants from around the world gathered for the Summit to exchange experiences, which showcase the multiple benefits of nature for cities for tackling the triple planetary crisis. They also focused on key levers to accelerate implementation, ranging from local to global actions, and from policy to finance measures.
Event 23 February 2022

UNEA-5.2, OECPR-5.2 and UNEP@50

Member States adopted 14 resolutions, including to negotiate an international treaty to address plastic pollution and establish a science-policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution, while celebrating the 50th birthday of the United Nations Environment Programme.
Event 21 February 2022 - 4 March 2022