Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director UNEP |  Image Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

The international community has made significant strides in addressing the world's most urgent environmental crises, despite facing numerous challenges. At the 168th meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) on December 17, 2024, officials discussed progress in tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while recognizing the ongoing frustrations over slow action.

The meeting, held in a hybrid format at UNEP's headquarters in Nairobi, was chaired by H.E. Mr. Firas Khouri, the Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP. The session marked the continued efforts of UNEP to push for coordinated global action on pressing environmental issues.

Key Agreements and Milestones

The international community witnessed significant diplomatic achievements in recent months. Among the most notable was the adoption of the Pact for the Future, a landmark agreement at the United Nations that sets ambitious targets for peace, climate action, and sustainable development. The Pact urges reforms to the global financial system to support developing nations and stresses the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels to curb the climate crisis.

Additionally, a political declaration on antimicrobial resistance at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) set a target to reduce related deaths by 10% by 2030. This commitment highlights the increasing collaboration across sectors to safeguard global health, including efforts by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Progress at Global Conferences

Important steps were made at several international environmental conferences. At the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, nations made strides in recognizing Indigenous Peoples and African descent communities as rights-holders in biodiversity conservation. The new Cali Fund was established to ensure that profits from genetic research benefit these communities.

Meanwhile, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change COP29 brought vital progress on carbon markets, with countries agreeing to the operationalization of a global carbon market. Although the meeting fell short of meeting ambitious climate finance targets, it did see a commitment to increase climate finance to $300 billion annually by 2035.

In Busan, South Korea, talks on plastic pollution advanced as negotiators began laying the groundwork for an international treaty to end plastic pollution. The next steps are crucial, with UNEP calling on all nations to close remaining gaps in the negotiations to ensure an effective, global solution.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite the notable achievements, frustration remains over the slow pace of action, particularly around financing and the commitment to ambitious targets. At COP29, emissions rose by 1.3% in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for greater commitments from major emitters, especially G20 nations, which account for the majority of global emissions.

As the world heads into 2024, there is hope that the momentum generated by these summits will lead to faster action. UNEP's Medium-Term Strategy for 2024–2027 will focus on advancing sustainable solutions and fostering cooperation across environmental issues.

Ms. Inger Andersen, Executive Director UNEP |  Image Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

UNEP's Financial Progress and Continued Support

On the financial front, UNEP reported a strong commitment from member states, with nearly 90 countries contributing funds towards environmental programs for 2024. As the year draws to a close, UNEP’s fundraising efforts continue, aiming to close the funding gap and secure additional contributions for global environmental initiatives.

Looking ahead, UNEP is focused on preparing for the seventh UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), scheduled for later in 2024. The theme, Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet, reflects the urgent need for a unified global response to the environmental challenges that threaten the planet's future. The upcoming year is expected to bring critical breakthroughs, with renewed focus on achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

As the world faces a ticking clock, UNEP urges all nations to intensify efforts and build on the progress made in 2023, ensuring that the next year accelerates environmental action across the globe.