World leaders convene in Nairobi as UN calls for stronger green action

By Samuel Ogunsona

World environmental leaders from over 180 countries have assembled in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).

Irohinoodua was informed that the focus is to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss and pollution around the globe.

The meeting holds 26 February to 1 March 2024 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Part of the point of convergence is to strengthen environmental multilateralism and to negotiate resolutions on issues ranging from nature-based solutions and highly hazardous pesticides to land degradation and drought

Environmental aspects of minerals and metals will also be discussed.

The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) which comes up every two years would see world Ministers of environment and other environmental agencies deliberate on how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Inger Andersen, who spoke at the opening plenary on Monday said the world must unite and work hand-in-hand to tackle climate change and pollution.

She said, “This assembly knows all too well that we are living through an intensifying triple planetary crisis: the crisis of climate change, the crisis of nature and land loss, and the crisis of pollution and waste,”

This crisis casts its shadow over every person on this planet, regardless of nationality, colour, faith or gender.

“This forum, which we like to think is the world’s most-influential decision-making body on the environment, has consistently shown the unity we need to overcome this crisis.

“We will need that unity to safeguard Earth as we know it. And this year, the assembly is more powerful and more united than ever” she said.

The Executive Director also cautioned against the use of political differences to fight climate change which has become our common enemy.

“It is time to lay political differences aside and focus on this little blue planet, teeming with life. Time to lift our sights to our common goal: a pathway to a sustainable and safe future.

“We do this by agreeing on the resolutions before UNEA-6 to boost multilateral action for today and tomorrow, and secure intergenerational justice and equity.” She stated.