This week in Nairobi, delegates from around the world gather for the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, UNEA-7, the top global forum for environmental decision-making. At a time of rising environmental risks and geopolitical drama, one big question looms: can multilateral action still deliver? 🌍
1. Setting the Agenda: What Can UNEA-7 Deliver?
Ali-Said Matano, Executive Director of the Africa Center for Health, Environment and Water Services, says UNEA-7 must give clear direction on the triple planetary crisis—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Here's what African nations are looking for:
- Accelerated phase-out of high-risk pollutants 🚫
- Strong action on plastics and pesticide use, especially in developing countries 🛢️
- Ambitious ecosystem restoration commitments 🌱
- Better funding and support for vulnerable regions 💰
"The mandate of UNEA still matters, but dynamism and pragmatism are now required more than any other time." – Matano
2. China's Ecological Civilization Influence
Ma Jun, Director of China's Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, fresh from COP30 in Brazil, highlights how China's ecological civilization model is shaping debates. He says the China Pavilion was packed with Global South participants eager to learn:
- Rapid air and water pollution controls 🌬️💧
- Massive reforestation efforts 🌳
- Climate action aligned with economic growth via renewables and EVs ⚡🚗
"It's not climate action for climate's sake. It's for real benefits to society." – Ma Jun
3. Multilateralism: At a Crossroads?
With geopolitical tensions on the rise, is multilateralism breaking down? Both experts say no:
"What we are witnessing is not a breakdown, but a reflection of emerging national interests, geopolitical realignment, and negotiation fatigue." – Matano
"The credibility of multilateral mechanisms is being undermined, but multilateralism is still our best hope." – Ma Jun
4. Africa's Agenda
As host continent, Africa is using UNEA-7 to amplify its voice. Matano notes:
- Unified continental positions 🤝
- Strengthened regional blocs 🌍
- Moral authority as the least-emitting yet most-impacted region
Africa’s priorities include green industrialization, circular economy models, adaptation financing reforms, blue economy protection, and safeguards for water basins and ecological hotspots. 🌊♻️
5. New Models for China-Africa Partnership
Looking ahead, Ma Jun outlines sustainable collaboration models focused on structural transformation, value-chain upgrading, and resilience. Key areas:
- Green energy co-development ⚡
- Agro-industrial parks 🌾
- Digital ecosystems 💻
- Joint investment and co-management frameworks 🤝
"The real test is whether this partnership fosters a new generation of African experts, managers, and entrepreneurs." – Ma Jun
As UNEA-7 moves forward, all eyes are on these resolutions to see if they can turn ambition into action. Stay tuned! ✨
Reference(s):
UNEA-7: Why multilateral environmental action matters more than ever
cgtn.com
