Governments, youth representatives, and environmental agencies are meeting in Nairobi from December 8-12, 2025, for the seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). They will discuss how to tackle rising threats from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. A new Global Youth Declaration calls for significant changes in environmental governance and financing.
Reports suggest that Africa currently loses between 5% and 15% of its GDP annually due to climate-related issues. This has led to severe impacts like droughts in the Horn of Africa and destructive floods in Nigeria and Libya. As UNEA-7 begins, African negotiators emphasize the need for global discussions to reflect these urgent economic challenges.
Young leaders from over 2,000 organizations submitted the Global Youth Declaration. This document highlights the importance of cohesive environmental governance and urges for financial reforms to help developing countries combat environmental crises. It aims to shift young people from passive observers to active contributors in shaping policy.
One main concern is the fragmented nature of current environmental agreements, which complicates efforts in countries with limited resources. For instance, African governments often juggle multiple systems for climate plans and biodiversity efforts. At UNEA-7, negotiators from countries like Kenya and Rwanda are advocating for streamlined processes to enhance consistency across various environmental commitments.
The integration of scientific data into national planning is another priority. African governments stress the need for timely access to environmental data, especially as climate impacts become more severe. The youth declaration supports this by pushing for scientific input that guides international talks and encourages young scientists to be involved in creating crucial data.
Financing is a critical hurdle, with UNEP estimating Africa’s adaptation needs could exceed $50 billion each year by 2050. Currently, many nations spend more on paying off debt than on environmental protection. The youth declaration echoes long-standing calls for reform in the international financial system to better address these urgent needs.
The assembly will also tackle contentious issues like plastic pollution. African countries are advocating for a legally binding treaty to limit plastic production, which is a growing concern in coastal cities struggling with waste management.
Nature protection cannot be overlooked either. The Congo Basin, critical for global biodiversity, faces threats from deforestation and mining. Similarly, East African coral reefs are suffering from rising temperatures. Young representatives are pressing for stronger protections for these ecosystems and a more prominent role for Indigenous Peoples in environmental decisions.
What sets UNEA-7 apart is the active participation of youth. Young Africans are raising various issues, from the safety of environmental defenders to governance related to renewable energy. With Africa’s youth population rapidly growing, their insights are vital in shaping policies that truly reflect their realities.
As discussions unfold, the effectiveness of UNEA-7 will depend on whether it leads to actionable commitments rather than vague promises. For many African nations facing both development and environmental challenges, this assembly is a chance to establish a stronger international framework that caters to their needs.
The outcomes of this meeting will be pivotal, signaling whether global cooperation can yield meaningful changes in a world where environmental challenges are increasingly pressing.
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