By Thuku Kariuki
The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, known as UNEA-7, will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from December 8 to 12, 2025. This event is expected to bring together over 55 ministers and around 3,500 delegates. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has recognized Kenya’s commitment, alongside its Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Deborah Barasa, for consistently supporting environmental governance.
Nairobi stands as a global hub for environmental discussions and plays a crucial role in UNEP’s work. The theme for UNEA-7, “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” speaks to the urgent need to tackle complex global environmental challenges amid shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Delegates at the assembly will deliberate on 19 draft resolutions addressing various pressing issues. Topics include management of artificial intelligence, strategies for preventing wildfires, and important conversations about our hydrological systems.
Recent data shared by UNEP indicates a worrying trend: climate impacts are intensifying, emissions are rising, and pollution is worsening. Extreme weather patterns like heatwaves are becoming more frequent, and ecosystems are suffering. These challenges touch every nation and call for collective, global action.
Since UNEA-6 in February 2024, the UNEP has made notable strides in environmental cooperation. A significant highlight is the creation of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution. This panel joins two other global advisory bodies, the IPCC and IPBES, in guiding nations on environmental issues.
Another advancement is the mechanism under the Convention on Biological Diversity that empowers Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity decision-making. Furthermore, the historic BBNJ Agreement is now in force, safeguarding marine biodiversity in areas beyond national borders.
Despite these achievements, UNEP has pointed out that efforts are still not enough. Concerns about the slow pace of multilateral actions persist. Therefore, UNEA-7 aims to bolster international collaboration and create a unified approach to tackle the intertwined crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
The assembly will also host the Youth Environment Assembly, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in environmental governance. Additionally, a day dedicated to Multilateral Environmental Agreements will showcase various international agreements, encouraging joint efforts in environmental action.
During UNEA-7, the seventh edition of the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-7) will be unveiled. This report, crafted by 287 scientists from 82 countries, aims to present solutions across critical areas including economics, waste management, energy, and food systems.
As the assembly approaches, UNEP has stressed that no single meeting can achieve set global environmental goals. Sustained, collaborative efforts are essential for progress. UNEP believes that UNEA-7 can strengthen the collective commitment required to face the world’s pressing environmental challenges.
