United Nations Environment Assembly [UNEA]

With universal membership of all 193 UN Member States, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world's highest-level environmental decision-making body.

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) meets every two years to define goals for worldwide environmental strategies and enhance global environmental law.

About United Nations Environment Assembly

With universal membership of all 193 UN Member States, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world's highest-level environmental decision-making body.

Purpose: The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) meets every two years to define goals for worldwide ecological policies and enhance global environmental law.

United Nations Environment Assembly Objective

The Assembly provides leadership, stimulates intergovernmental environmental action, and contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's implementation. The United Nations Environment Programme is likewise governed by the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012 resulted in the establishment of the United Nations Environment Assembly, with the conclusion paper, 'The Future We Want', calling for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to improve and update UNEP.

United Nations Environment Assembly Functions

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is UNEP's main governing body and the highest political forum on environmental issues. It is charged with ensuring that sustainability is identified as a global priority and monitoring the active participation of relevant stakeholders in UNEP governance.

The UNGA then passed Resolution 67/213, which aimed to enhance and upgrade UNEP and establish universal membership in its Governing Council. In March 2013, the UNGA passed Resolution 67/251, renaming the UNEP Governing Council (GC) as the UNEP Environment Agency (UNEA).

Although UNEA meets only once every two years, its sub-body, the Committee of Permanent Representatives, will meet more regularly.

United Nations Environment Assembly - Fifth session

• The United Nations Environment Assembly's (UNEA-5.2) fifth session was held online in Nairobi from February 28 to March 2, 2022
• The subject of United Nations Environment Assembly-5 was "Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," focusing on the importance of nature in our lives and social, economic, and environmental sustainability
• United Nations Environment Assembly-5 provided a chance for Member Countries to present their finest sustainability initiatives. The aim was to give nations the impetus they needed in order to catalyse global environmental initiatives and restore the everyday world on which our economy and societies rely
• Following United Nations Environment Assembly-5.2, the Assembly scheduled a session on the 3rd and 4th of March in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme's inception in 1972 (UNEP@50)

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Participants were advised to read through the Practical Info Note for Participants, which covers various topics, including health protocols, visa applications, credential presentation, and the registration procedure.

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world's highest-level environmental decision-making body. UNEA has universal membership with all 193 UN Member States and full participation from significant organisations and stakeholders. Every two years, it convenes a meeting of environment ministers in Nairobi, Kenya.

FAQs on United Nations Environment Assembly

Q.1. What is the United Nations Environment Assembly's role?

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) meets every two years to define goals for worldwide ecological policies and enhance global environmental law. The Assembly acts as a guide, catalyses intergovernmental environmental action, and contributes to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development's implementation.

Q.2. What was the theme of the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly?

The subject of United Nations Environment Assembly-5 was "Strengthening Actions for Nature to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals," focusing on the importance of nature in our lives and social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Q.3. What is the size of the United Nations Environment Programme's membership?

Through the United Nations Environment Assembly, the world's largest decision-making body, UNEP works closely with its 193 Member States and representatives from civil society, business, and other stakeholders to address environmental concerns.

Q.4. When was the United Nations Environment Assembly established?

United Nations Environment Assembly was founded in 2012 and is led by a Bureau and a President.

Q.5. How many ministers are there in the United Nations Environment Assembly?

The United Nations Environment Assembly Bureau comprises ten environment ministers from around the world who serve two-year terms depending on geographic rotation.