SWEDEN 28/02/2018 – Published
Annika Strandhll, Minister of Climate and Environment, is attending the fifth session at the United Nations Environment Assembly, Nairobi, Kenya, 28 February-3 March. Sweden is pushing for negotiations to create a global agreement on plastic pollution and a green recovery from a pandemic.
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), normally convenes the world’s ministers of environment in Nairobi every other years. The session of last year was delayed partially until this year. The UNEA-5.2 session’s overall theme is Strengthening Actions For Nature to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals. This theme aims to highlight the crucial role that nature plays in sustainable development. Sweden is pushing for a UNEA resolution to initiate formal negotiations on a global agreement on plastic pollution that is legally binding and adopted at UNEA5.2.
During the session, we will also discuss the important issue of a green recovery from a pandemic.
Plastic pollution is a serious problem that must be addressed globally. Annika Strandhll, Minister of Climate and Environment, states that the UNEA session will allow countries around the world to demonstrate that they are ready to tackle this problem together.
Ms. Strandhll will participate in both UNEA5.2 and the UNEP@50 that follow, which celebrates the 50th anniversary the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), was established in conjunction with 1972’s Stockholm Conference. The Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson, Sweden’s long-term commitment to global environmental issues, will also be participating in UNEP@50 virtual. UNEA-52.2 and UNEP@50 are important milestones in the run-up to UN Stockholm+50 on 13 June.
Ms. Strandhll will also be meeting with Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive director, and KeriakoTobiko, Kenyas Cabinet Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. The programme includes visits to a waste management company as well as a Tetra Paks local facility. Ms Strandhll also will meet with young people around the globe who are part of Youth Task Force for Stockholm+50.
Interviews are possible. Please contact Tove Kullenberg (Press Secretary).
