In a resounding call for action, Mosese Bluewave, Fiji’s Minister for Environment and Climate Change, emphasized the critical importance of multilateralism in addressing global environmental challenges during the opening of the UN Environment Assembly for its seventh session (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya. The assembly, which runs from December 8 to 12, 2025, brought together representatives from over 180 countries, including a strong delegate presence from the Pacific Islands, to discuss sustainable solutions amid escalating environmental crises.
Bluewave, speaking on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States, highlighted the dire reality faced by Pacific nations as they experience the compounded impacts of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. He stressed, “The Pacific is facing the triple planetary crisis in real time,” pointing out how rising sea levels are reshaping coastlines and climate change is threatening fisheries and coral systems. Furthermore, he noted that plastic pollution is infiltrating local food chains, contributing to the erosion of resilience in island societies that have thrived for generations.
Echoing this urgency, Minister Bulitavu reminded participants of the necessity for UNEA-7 to transform discussions into concrete actions. He reiterated that the Pacific is committed to implementing transformative solutions despite facing significant fiscal constraints and environmental pressures, asserting that the Assembly must reflect the gravitas of the crises at hand.
As UNEA-7 negotiates 15 draft resolutions on diverse issues—ranging from glacier conservation to mitigating the ecological impact of artificial intelligence—Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme, urged delegates to unite in common purpose. She emphasized the accelerating environmental challenges posed by rising global temperatures and pollution, which threaten ecosystems and communities worldwide.
The work at UNEA-7 is supported by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), which is committed to amplifying Pacific voices during this critical conference. Anthony Talouli, SPREP’s Head of Delegation, reaffirmed the significance of Pacific nations’ participation, advocating for ongoing collaboration to implement meaningful changes within the region post-conference.
UNEA serves as a pivotal platform for shaping international environmental policy and fostering cooperation among nations. This year’s gathering reinforces resolve and commitment to creating a sustainable, pollution-free future, emphasizing the shared goal of safeguarding the planet for future generations. The urgency articulated by Pacific leaders reflects a broader, collective responsibility that transcends borders, urging global actors to prioritize swift and decisive action in addressing the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges.
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