NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 8 – At the opening of the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya’s Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Deborah Barasa, delivered a clarion call for decisive, collaborative action to tackle global environmental crises.
“The time for small, cautious steps has passed; what we need now is bold, integrated, and inclusive action,” Dr. Barasa told delegates gathered from across the world, emphasising the urgency of addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, toxic pollution, and unsustainable consumption and production.
Speaking at the assembly, she underscored that environmental challenges are “unique and deeply intertwined” and cannot be addressed in isolation.
She noted that this year’s theme, “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” reflects the critical moment in which the world must adopt comprehensive strategies that unite governments, civil society, the private sector, and local communities.
Dr. Barasa highlighted the significance of UNEA-7 in shaping global environmental governance, pointing to the upcoming approval of the Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work.
“Kenya looks forward to constructively contributing to its finalisation, ensuring that the MTP reflects ambition, science-based policy, equity, and opportunities for innovation, especially for developing countries,” she said.
In line with her call for boldness, Kenya is sponsoring three resolutions and co-sponsoring two others, designed to advance sustainable solutions, enhance resilience, and promote inclusive governance.
The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that environmental action must benefit everyone, ensuring that women, youth, indigenous peoples, local communities, and marginalised groups “have a voice and real power.”
She stressed that solutions must be “fair, just, practical and leave no one behind.”
Dr. Barasa also called for national and global alignment, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, mobilising finance for nature-based and circular economy solutions, strengthening institutions, and fostering innovation and knowledge sharing.
As she welcomed delegates to Nairobi, which she described as “the world’s environmental home,” Dr. Barasa concluded with a message of urgency and partnership: “Let us resolve that UNEA-7 will not just talk about the future, it will help create it. Let us embrace the boldness, collaboration, and urgency this moment demands. Guided by science, grounded in fairness, let us forge a resilient planet for our generation and for those who will follow.”
