The topic was at the center of discussions at the first United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, from June 23 to 27, 2014. The assembly brought together close to 1200 participants from various walks of life such as Ministers of Environment, leaders of international organizations, representatives of governments, civil society representatives, a few business leaders and eminent personalities such as the UN Secretary General and the Chairperson of the 68th United Nations General Assembly, who also fully attended the UNEA high-level segment entitled “Towards a life of dignity for all”.

The deliberations equally dwelt on sustainable development objectives and highlighted sustainable consumption and production (SCP) methods, the illegal wildlife trade (the surge in poaching and rising environmental crime). Furthermore, two symposia were organized on key aspects of environmental sustainability focusing on environmental rule of law and financing a green economy.

Seventeen resolutions were taken to strengthen UNEP's role in promoting air quality, the political science interface (PSI), ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA), implementation of principle 10 of the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development, the illegal trade in wild species, chemicals and debris and micro-plastic waste in marine environments.

Considered a landmark event by the delegates, the first UNEA made a strong appeal for continued efforts to support UNEP in implementing the post-2015 development agenda.

A final document containing the final resolutions of the Assembly was adopted. The document also provided a channel for the member States to voice their reservations.

For more detailed information on the first UNEA-UNEP, please see the meeting report at the following link: HERE