The UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi began under a cloud of grief as attendees mourned the loss of 22 UN staff and numerous scientists, activists, and youth delegates killed in the Ethiopian Airlines crash on March 10, 2019.
The disaster, which claimed 157 lives, disrupted preparations for the global environmental summit. The UN flag was lowered to half-mast at Nairobi's agencies, and a minute's silence was observed during the opening plenary session. Estonian environment minister Siim Kiisler, president of the assembly, stated, "We have lost fellow delegates, interpreters, and UN staff. I express my condolences to those who lost loved ones in the crash." UN Environment's acting executive director Joyce Msuya added, "The environmental community is in mourning today. Many of those who died were en route to support the assembly."
Among the victims were 32 Kenyans, including missionary George Mukua Kageche and journalist Tony Ngare. Canada reported 18 fatalities, including 24-year-old Danielle Moore, a biology graduate and environmental volunteer. British victim Joanna Toole, a fisheries expert, was described by her boss as "a wonderful human being who loved her work."
The Boeing 737 Max 8, involved in a similar crash in Indonesia last year, remains grounded in China and Ethiopia as investigators probe the cause. The plane crashed minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, with debris found near Bishoftu, 62 kilometers southeast of the Ethiopian capital.
