By: Bunmi Yekini
At the Summit of the Future event held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York on 23 September, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen called on global leaders to ensure that future generations live in a world of peace, prosperity, and equity. Andersen highlighted the need for stronger global cooperation to address the pressing environmental challenges facing the planet, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
In her address, Andersen stressed the importance of multilateral environmental agreements, particularly ongoing negotiations to end plastic pollution, and called for swift action. “Commitments have already been made to deliver this shift in many multilateral environmental agreements that cover the triple planetary crisis,” Andersen said, noting the significance of an upcoming agreement in November on plastic pollution.
“To deliver on all commitments, and strengthen sustainable development, we must operationalize the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment,” she emphasized, urging member states to adopt financial and economic reforms that promote equity and resilience.
Andersen assured that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) would continue to support member states with science-based advocacy, stating, “Member States can count on UNEP’s science, support, and advocacy as they seek to deliver on the actions that will be reflected in the outcomes of this summit.”
She also urged global cooperation in tackling emerging challenges and ensuring sustainable consumption and production practices, including energy transition and digital transformation.