The seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) wrapped up on December 12, 2025. Over 6,000 participants from 186 countries gathered in Nairobi to address urgent environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The assembly resulted in 11 resolutions, three key decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration focused on building a more resilient planet. These resolutions aim to protect coral reefs, manage crucial minerals for energy, handle chemicals and waste responsibly, and promote sustainable practices using Artificial Intelligence.
The President of UNEA-7, Abdullah bin Ali Al-Amri from Oman, emphasized the importance of action. “What we accomplished here shows our ability to pave the way for a better future,” he said. However, he warned that success depends on real-world outcomes, not just agreements. Cleaning air and water, restoring ecosystems, and creating green jobs are what truly matter.
Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of UNEP, highlighted the urgency of the situation. She reminded delegates that outside the assembly, many people suffer due to lack of environmental action. “Action has not been fast enough,” she stated, urging for swift measures to meet our commitments.
One notable aspect of UNEA-7 was the launch of the Global Environment Outlook report. This comprehensive assessment revealed that investing in a healthy environment could boost the global GDP significantly and help lift millions out of poverty.
During the assembly, young voices were also heard. The Youth Environment Assembly brought together over 1,000 young delegates advocating for meaningful participation in environmental governance.
Social media buzzed with reactions from the assembly. Many young activists took to platforms like Twitter and Instagram, sharing their hopes and calling for immediate action. The growing trend shows a clear demand for change among the youth.
UNEA-7 also focused on international cooperation to combat pressing issues such as wildfires and the environmental impacts of antimicrobial resistance. Resolutions on protecting glaciers and managing sargassum seaweed were also adopted.
In a major step, Matthew Samuda from Jamaica was elected as the new President for the next session, UNEA-8. He vowed to ensure that every community’s voice is heard and that no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
The next UN Environment Assembly is set for December 6 to 10, 2027, in Nairobi, promising to keep the momentum for change alive.
For more insights, check out the UNEP Global Environment Outlook report here.
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Multilateral solutions,Resilient planet,Seventh UN Environment Assembly,UNEA-7,United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
