Placed under the theme “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to address climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution,” this session chaired by the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali, and which opened on Monday, emphasized the importance of multilateralism and the spirit of consensus to achieve innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
In total, 15 resolutions were adopted by this session which brought together, at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), more than 5,000 participants from 190 countries, including flagship texts relating to water, air pollution, land degradation and ocean governance.
Participants also adopted a Ministerial Declaration that highlights the urgency of the global environmental crisis, as well as the impact and threats posed by multiple environmental challenges. The Ministerial Declaration also welcomes the principles and important outcomes agreed in previous declarations and sets out a list of 10 actions to be implemented by Ministers responsible for the Environment.
In her speech, Ms. Benali underlined the importance of cooperation and consensus in the search for solutions, while placing the most vulnerable communities at the center of the objectives, to ensure that “no one is left behind.” .
Solutions were found and enriched during this UNEA-6, she welcomed, emphasizing the imperative of collective work, particularly through the various regional and multilateral platforms.
“And as governments, we must push towards more reinvented partnerships with key stakeholders,” argued Ms. Benali, calling for continued collaboration with civil society, mentoring and empowerment of creative youth, as well as collaboration with the private sector and philanthropic organizations.
For her part, the Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, welcomed Ms. Benali for her leadership and commitment as President of UNEA-6, praising her efforts in adopting the agreed resolutions and decisions.
She noted that during the mandate of the Moroccan presidency of the UNEA the minister demanded progress in securing the metals and minerals necessary for the transition to carbon neutrality and called for better protection of the environment during and after the conflicts.
“You have presented resolutions that will help UNEP and Member States to further combat chemicals and waste, as well as sand and dust storms,” said the UNEP Executive Director, addressing Ms. Benali, welcoming the adoption of the ministerial declaration which affirms the firm intention of the international community to slow down climate change, restore nature and soil and stem pollution.
At the end of this session, Ms. Benali handed over the presidency of UNEA-7 to the President of the Environmental Authority of the Sultanate of Oman, Mr. Abdullah Bin Ali Amri.