STORY: Global environment assembly calls for action on planetary hazards
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 26, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 27, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:02
LOCATION: Nairobi
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SOIPAN TUYA, Kenya's cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LEILA BENALI, President of UNEA-6 and minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco
4. various of sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly

STORYLINE:

The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) kicked off in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Monday, with delegates renewing their call for robust multilateralism to aid action on threats to planetary health.
   
More than 4,000 delegates from 182 member states, including ministers, representatives of multilateral institutions, industry, civil society and academia, are attending UNEA-6, which lasts from Monday to Friday.
   
Held biennially since 2014, the United Nations Environment Assembly is the world's highest-level decision-making body on the environment, and the 2024 edition will take place under the theme of "effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral action to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution."
   
Soipan Tuya, Kenya's cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry, said UNEA-6 offers a platform to inject vitality into multilateralism, strengthening action on pressing ecological threats like the climate crisis, habitat loss and plastic waste.
   
"This assembly reaffirms the need for accelerated action to end plastic pollution, biodiversity and nature loss as we pursue green growth that is inclusive and sustainable," Tuya said.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): SOIPAN TUYA, Kenya's cabinet secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry
"With only six years remaining towards the sustainable development goals, UNEA-6 comes at a time when the world is also called upon to accelerate the implementation of the UN 2030 agenda if we are to stay course in sustainable development. Unfortunately for millions in the developing regions of the world including here in Africa, poverty still remains a daily reality while economic inequality is increasing globally."

Major events slated for the five-day global environment assembly include a science-business policy forum, Multilateral Environmental Agreements Day, and a high-level segment involving heads of state and government.
   
The assembly is also expected to discuss 20 resolutions focusing on critical minerals, air pollution, solar radiation, water security, ocean governance, and reforming the international financial system.
   
Leila Benali, the president of UNEA-6 and minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, called for fidelity to multilateralism to help tackle planetary hazards in the face of geopolitical tensions and global economic slowdown.
   
According to Benali, a consensus-driven process is imperative to halt atmospheric warming and the extinction of species, which fuel poverty and inequality.
   
Benali stressed the need to implement resolutions passed at the previous five UN environment assemblies to help secure a peaceful, green and resilient future for the planet and its inhabitants.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): LEILA BENALI, President of UNEA-6 and minister for Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco
"Together we will focus on uniting the world under the banner of environmental action and we will put our mind and energies on key solutions including scientific and natural base solutions, during this critical period for people and planets. It is our time in 2024 to deliver. We have only one blueprint for our one earth, our one planet. It is up to us to deliver a clean greener and safer future for all people."

Inger Andersen, the executive director of UNEP, noted that multiple planetary crises are casting a dark shadow on the safety, prosperity and stability of nations, necessitating action from a broad range of stakeholders including governments, businesses, civil society, women, youth and indigenous people.
   
While expressing faith in multilateral environment treaties, Andersen said their enforcement will be key to deliver climate justice, sustainable development and equity.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Nairobi.
(XHTV)