Kenya Sets Stage for UNEA-7, Showcasing Global Environmental Leadership

Kenya Sets Stage for UNEA-7, Showcasing Global Environmental Leadership

From left: UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen and Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Barasa Deborah address a press briefing on Kenya’s preparations for the seventh UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi on Friday.

By Jeff Oyugi

Nairobi - November 28, 2025.

Kenya has announced full readiness to host the Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), scheduled for December 8 to 12, 2025, at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, reaffirming the country’s position as the global hub for environmental diplomacy.

Speaking during a joint press briefing in Nairobi, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Barasa Deborah outlined Kenya’s priorities, expectations and commitments ahead of the high-level gathering, which will bring together over 4,000 delegates, including ministers, heads of state, international organisations, scientists, civil society and youth representatives.

As the permanent host of UNEP headquarters, Dr. Barasa said Kenya is “honoured to welcome the world to Nairobi” for a forum that arrives at a critical moment of intensifying climate impacts, accelerating biodiversity loss and worsening pollution.

UNEA-7 will be held under the theme “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” a focus Dr. Barasa described as timely and urgent.

“Kenya approaches UNEA-7 not just as the host country, but as a bridge-builder and global environmental leader,” she said, noting that the country will use the platform to push for ambitious, solutions-oriented resolutions aligned with its domestic priorities, including environmental restoration and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that Kenya intends to demonstrate how environmental sustainability can advance simultaneously with economic transformation and community well-being. “Nairobi remains the environmental capital of the world,” she said, “and Kenya will showcase how prosperity and planetary health go hand in hand.”

Dr. Barasa revealed that Kenya will sponsor three key resolutions at UNEA-7 that includes the environmental dimension of antimicrobial resistance, environmental sustainability of Artificial Intelligence systems and promoting sustainable solutions through sport for a resilient planet

“These resolutions call for concrete action to address pollution from unsafe disposal of medicines, harness AI for environmental protection and use sport as a catalyst for behavioural change and community resilience,” she explained.

Kenya also pledged to champion Africa’s collective priorities as the continent faces disproportionate vulnerability to climate change and environmental degradation.

“Africa requires equitable solutions, increased finance and fair partnerships,” Dr. Barasa said. “Kenya will ensure that African concerns are reflected in global decisions.”

She added that Kenya would advocate for increased global finance for nature-based solutions, equitable energy transitions, stronger climate action and integration of biodiversity targets into broader environmental negotiations. The country will also showcase flagship programmes such as the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative.

Kenya reaffirmed its uncompromising stance on the ongoing negotiations for a legally binding plastics treaty.

“As a pioneer in bold action against plastic pollution, Kenya will not support a treaty that merely manages waste,”Dr. Barasa said. “The treaty must address the full life cycle of plastics from production to disposal.”

She noted that Kenya will host a major side event on plastics during UNEA-7, where it will share innovations and lessons from its leadership in combating plastic pollution.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen praised Kenya for its steadfast support to global environmental governance and for hosting UNEA-7 in what she described as “the world’s environmental capital.”

“We at UNEP are proud to call Nairobi home,” she said, highlighting that UNEA-7 comes at a time when geopolitical fragility demands stronger environmental multilateralism.

More than 55 ministers and 3,500 delegates are expected, she noted, with 19 draft resolutions including on artificial intelligence, minerals and metals, wildfires, and the hydrological cycle scheduled for negotiation.

Ms. Andersen added that recent UN-led multilateral achievements, such as the establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, demonstrate the value of sustained global cooperation.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, read by Dr. Barasa on behalf of Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’oei, outlined Kenya’s logistical readiness.

The government has prepared gratis Electronic Travel Authorization for all UNEA-7 delegates, a dedicated help desk at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for fast-track services, and enhanced security through the Diplomatic Police Unit and VIP protection teams.

PS Sing’oei underscored the Assembly’s importance, calling it “the world’s highest decision-making body on environmental matters” and highlighting Kenya’s central role in global environmental governance since UNEA’s inception in 2014.

Kenya confirmed that President William Ruto will officially open the High-Level Segment on December 11, where heads of state and government are expected to articulate global commitments to environmental action.

Dr. Barasa stressed that UNEA-7 must deliver “effective multilateralism, not prolonged dialogue,” insisting that the science is unequivocal and the world cannot afford slow progress. “We seek decisions that deliver tangible benefits for our farmers, youth, communities and ecosystems,” she said.

In closing, Dr. Barasa invited the public, media and international partners to follow UNEA-7 proceedings and participate in Kenya’s side events and exhibitions.

“Together, let us advance sustainable solutions that secure a resilient planet for current and future generations,” she said.

UNEA-7 is expected to shape global environmental priorities for years to come, with Kenya positioning itself at the heart of the world’s efforts to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.