Leaders at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) have called for urgent policy reforms to combat plastic pollution in marine ecosystems, as the fourth session of the conference opened in Nairobi with a moment of silence for victims of the Ethiopia Airlines crash.
The event, attended by over 4,700 delegates including heads of state and 88 ministers from 170 countries, began with a somber tone after the crash claimed 157 lives, including 19 UN officials en route to the summit. Estonian Environment Minister Siim Kiisler emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to protect the marine environment and advance the blue economy.
"We must focus on sustainable consumption and production, and innovative solutions to environmental challenges," Kiisler stated. "Global policy results require collaboration, and evidence shows we need to strengthen efforts collectively and urgently." He highlighted that 8 million tons of plastic waste enter oceans annually, with 2 billion people lacking access to waste management systems.
UN Environment Acting Director Joyce Msuya reiterated the importance of accelerating progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, urging nations to adopt policies that address aquatic plastic litter. She called for political will to tackle plastic waste gateways and emphasized the need for smart urban planning, reduced fossil fuel reliance, and a transition to a low-carbon economy.
Msuya outlined goals to reduce fossil fuel use by 80% by 2050, cut food production’s environmental impact by two-thirds, and achieve a near-zero waste economy through circularity. The conference also featured expected participation from Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and French President Emmanuel Macron.
