Make UNEA 5.2 a game-changer and act for Nature now – Joint Global Statement
Hosted by the UN Environment Programme, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) brings together representatives of the 193 Member States of the UN, businesses, civil society and other stakeholders to agree on policies to address the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
The resumed fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) takes place online and in Nairobi on 28 February – 2 March 2022. The overall theme for UNEA-5 is “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”. This highlights the pivotal role nature plays in our lives and in social, economic and environmental sustainable development.
Prior to UNEA a virtual Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum was co-organised by WECF from 7-10 February 2022. The outcome of this 3-day meeting was the adoption of a Joint global statement of the virtual Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum 19 (GMGSF).
More than at any other time in history, humankind is facing the combined threat of climate breakdown, exponential biodiversity and ecosystem loss as well as unparalleled levels of pollution, including large amounts of waste not properly managed, which impact the remotest corners of the planet. These three crises are interconnected and exacerbate each other in a ‘spiral dynamic’ leading to a systemic breakdown of Nature which is unprecedented in its magnitude, pace and severity. They continue to threaten peace and human rights and infringe on the right to life, to health and to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations. The undersigned Major Groups and other Stakeholders (MGoS) welcome the focus of UNEA 5.2 on the pivotal role that Nature plays as our live-support system. Our governments should recognise the severity of the multiple emergencies. Business as usual is not an option. They should come forward with bold and courageous political leadership now and make decisions to attain a sustainable future ensuring wellbeing for Nature, animals and people.