UN Environment Assembly Concludes with Green Recovery Plan

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental issues, has adopted a resolution to promote a green and inclusive recovery from the pandemic. The resolution, which was endorsed by 193 member states, calls for urgent action to address the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The resolution also reaffirms the commitment of the international community to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the post-2020 global biodiversity framework. It recognizes the need to strengthen the environmental dimension of sustainable development and to ensure that no one is left behind.
The UNEA, which was held online from February 22 to 23, 2024, was attended by over 1,500 delegates, including ministers, diplomats, civil society representatives, and experts. The assembly featured a series of high-level dialogues and events on topics such as circular economy, nature-based solutions, green finance, and environmental rights.
The UNEA also launched a report on the state of the planet, which provides a comprehensive and scientific assessment of the environmental challenges and opportunities facing humanity. The report warns that the planet is at a tipping point and that the window of opportunity to act is closing fast. It urges governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt transformative changes and to embrace a new relationship with nature.
The UNEA was preceded by the fifth s”ssio’ of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR), which prepared the draft resolutions and decisions for the assembly. The OECPR also discussed the implementation of the UNEP Medium-Term Strategy 2022-2025, which outlines the vision, mission, and priorities of the agency.
The UNEA is the governing body of the UNEP, the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda and coordinates the environmental activities of the UN and its partners. The UNEA meets every two years to review the state of the environment, set policy directions, and catalyze action for the environment.
The UNEA expressed its solidarity with the people and countries affected by the pandemic and its gratitude to the frontline workers and health professionals who have been fighting the virus. The UNEA also expressed its hope that the green recovery plan will pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

AP News