Action to Deliver Environmental Dimension of Sustainability and Health and Environment Nexus Top Agenda as Governments Gear Up for 2nd UN Environment Assembly

Image

Nairobi, 15 February 2016 - Governmental consultations in preparation for the second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA)- due to take place in Nairobi, next May - kicked off this morning with the convening of the Open Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Key Issues Include: Mobilizing Resources for Sustainable Investment, Impact of Forced Displacement on Environment and Plastics in the Oceans.

The committee, which is made up of 300 delegates representing all UN Member States and major groups, will consider key items on the UNEA-2 agenda with focus on furthering action on delivering the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The committee will also review a global thematic report on 'Healthy Environment, Healthy People'.

For many, the creation of UNEA is the coming of age of the environment as a world issue, as it places environmental concerns on the same footing with those of peace, security, finance, health and trade for the first time. The first UNEA meeting took place in Nairobi in June 2014.

UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNEP Achim Steiner said, "2016 has been called the year for implementation and delivery. UNEA-2 is our chance to show the world UNEP's readiness and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through our programme of work."

"This OECPR is a vital forum in itself - a landmark in UNEP's journey, and one that will help determine the organization's direction and place in the global arena."

"The resolutions, decisions and outcomes that you prepare here will put new and emerging issues on environment firmly on the global radar, sending important signals to the global community about how to fully address this major pillar of an integrated sustainable development agenda. The work you do this week will position UNEA to as the International Environment Rendez-vous for all, and lay the groundwork for UNEP's contribution to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda," he added.

UNEA-2 will be one of the first major global conferences taking place since the adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

The meeting will review UNEP's Medium Term Strategy, its Programme of Work and budget which constitute UNEP's capacity, through its strategy, business model and financial resources, to contribute to delivering the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the Paris climate agreement.

A package of draft resolutions will also be reviewed on topics that range from the illegal trade in wildlife to chemicals and waste and marine plastic debris.

Other key topics include mobilizing resources for Sustainable Investments and forced displacement and the environment.

More on UNEA 2: http://bit.ly/1Pz8oA1 
More on OECPR: http://bit.ly/1oDlZNZ