Nairobi, 23 February 2022 (TDI): Kenya is ready to host dual international events of the United Nations. Dr. Chris Kiptoo, Principal Secretary of Environment and Forestry confirmed the preparedness of Kenya to host the two international events.

Kenya is to host United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) and United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) from 28th February to 2nd March and 3rd to 4th March, respectively.

Principal Secretary told that the first session of the event (UNEA-5.1) was held virtually on 22-23 February 2021. However, substantive matters that require in-depth negotiations will be discussed in UNEA 5.2.

The theme set for the coming session is “Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals”. Later on, the delegates from different countries will hold a Special Session of the Assembly on 3-4 March 2022.

This session is devoted to the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the United Nations Environment Program in 1972, in Nairobi, Kenya. 

UNEP

The United Nations Environment Program or the UNEP is a global authority that sets the environmental agenda and works as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. 

United Nations Environment Program is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, headquartered in Nairobi Kenya. It works closely in collaboration with its 193 members states and representatives. 

The representatives belong to diverse backgrounds; from civil society and businesses. Other stakeholders concerned with the environment will also participate in the event. 

UNEP categorizes its work into seven broad thematic areas. These include climate change, disasters and conflicts, ecosystem management, environmental governance, chemicals and waste, resource efficiency, and the environment under review.

World Environment Day

Previously, Pakistan hosted World Environment Day on 5 June 2021. Pakistan observed the day under the theme of ‘ecosystem restoration and focus on resetting relationships with nature.

This day also marked the official launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030. This year Sweden will host World Environment Day on 5 June 2022 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

The theme set for the upcoming environment day is “Only One Earth”. This will bring to light the possibilities for shifting to more sustainable and greener lifestyles to save mother earth.

UNEP and Kenya

Nairobi does not only headquarter the UNEP but also it will be hosting the two most important events. Additionally, UNEP will also celebrate its 50 years of birth in Nairobi.

It will also hold the UNEA session on the environment. Delegates from all across the world will participate in this special secession. Director Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), Peter Mageria noted that Kenya has become the benchmark where countries come to learn.

He explained in detail that countries want to learn how Kenya banned plastic bags and replaced them with single-use-carrier bags. He encouraged countries to share their success stories to inspire the 2022 agenda on environmental issues.

Innovative solutions will be put forward during the celebratory ceremony of the UNEP. This news was by the Principal Secretary of the Environment and Forestry Ministry of Kenya.