The 6th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) scheduled for February 26 through to March 1, 2024, will take place at the United Nations (UN) complex in Gigiri.
The assembly is expected to host over 5,000 delegates including heads of state and government from 193 UN member states.
The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya together with UNEP Executive Director MS. Inger Andersen on Thursday, February 8 addressed the press on preparations for the international event.
According to the CS, the assembly will serve the purpose of shaping the global environmental policy.
“Backed by strong science, political resolve and engagement with society, the Assembly will be an opportunity for world governments, civil society groups, the scientific community and the private sector to shape the global environmental policy,” the CS said.
UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body for matters related to environment.
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It is hosted by Kenya biennially in Nairobi, the global headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
Duties of the Host Country
As host, President William Ruto will be expected to deliver UNEA-6 national and welcoming statement on February 29 during the high-level segment which will be attended by visiting heads of state and government as well as other dignitaries.
Following the long-standing UNEA tradition, CS Sopian Tuya will host a reception for all delegates the same day in the evening where Kenya will demonstrate her renowned hospitality.
Similalrly, during UNEA-6, Kenya is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage, climate action potential and touristic offering to visiting delegates at Kenya House that will be set up at the venue.
“On the same day in the evening, and in line with the established UNEA tradition, Hon. Tuya will host a reception for all delegates during which Kenya will showcase her world celebrated hospitality,” the statement reads in part.
Nonetheless, UNEA-6 is structured around six thematic areas considered by member states in developing draft resolutions to compel a more effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral action.
Consequently, Member States have prepared and are negotiating 22 resolutions in 5 clusters.
UNEA Agenda
The top agenda of discussion during the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). will be how multilateralism may be used to address global crises.
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They include pollution and waste, biodiversity loss, and climate change. The Assembly will provide a platform for world governments, civil society organizations, the scientific community, and the commercial sector to influence global environmental policy, supported by solid evidence, political will, and social involvement.
Being the only global membership forum for environmental issues on the earth, UNEA offers a singular setting for daring choices and innovative thinking to map out an audacious course for group environmental action.
Therefore, UNEA-6 will assist in achieving the sustainable development goals in this way.
To help set the stage for the Assembly, the Open-ended Committee of Permanent Representatives will meet prior to UNEA-6.
