Reciba actualizaciones periódicas de la Convención de Minamata
Many discussions focused on how Multilateral Environmental Agreements can work more closely together and how they can strengthen their ties with UNEA and UNEP.
On Friday, 1 March, the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) adopted 15 resolutions and a Ministerial Declaration aimed at addressing the pressing triple planetary crises of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and waste and pollution.
Those include a call for the sustainable mining of so-called energy transition minerals, urge nations to rein in pollution from chemicals and waste, reduce air pollution, and encourage strengthening cooperation between UNEA, UNEP, UN Country Teams, and Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). UNEA resolutions are considered a first step towards the formulation of global environmental treaties and national policies.
For the first time, UNEA dedicated an entire day to showcasing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). It was organized with an opening plenary, two high-level dialogues, and a 3-day programme of side events. Minamata Convention COP-6 President Olsvaldo Alvarez was actively engaged in several discussions.
"I welcome the inclusion of cooperation with Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) in the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) agenda, marking the first, but certainly not the last, time. It is important for UNEA resolutions to support the effective implementation of MEAs, and for MEAs to contribute, through decisions of their respective governing bodies, to the implementation of resolutions", Alvarez said.
"The more importance is given to the environmental agenda at the global level, the greater its impact can be felt on the national level", he added. "UNEP and MEAs have a joint role to play in elevating environmental issues on the global agenda. I particularly look forward to the strong cooperation between the Minamata Convention, UNEA and UNEP".
Many of the discussions focused on how MEAs can work more closely together and how they can strengthen their ties with UNEA and UNEP. Other events covered the need for digital technologies to improve capacity-building, and the opportunities to contribute to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and get involved with critical stakeholders like indigenous peoples and local communities.
"This spirit of multilateralism – true, inclusive multilateralism – was evident throughout this vibrant Assembly," said Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).
UNEA-6 also welcomed youth to host the Youth Environment Summit, which called for greater inter-generational equity. The Minamata Convention Secretariat built into this momentum and launched the Youth engagement platform to showcase youth initiatives aiming to increase public awareness about the dangers of mercury and projects dedicated to reducing mercury pollution.
"I am very much looking forward to the next UNEA meeting. It is an excellent platform to discuss with many stakeholders like delegates, MEAs, indigenous peoples, youth... the most pressing environmental challenges and devise how to make transformative changes to protect people and our planet", said Minamata Convention Executive Secretary Monika Stankiewicz.
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The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) was held from 26 February to 1 March 2024 at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme: Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Through its resolutions and calls to action, the Assembly provides leadership and catalyzes intergovernmental action on the environment.