As we stand at the threshold of 2024, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) charts a course forward, outlining a robust agenda to address pressing environmental challenges.
The year ahead promises to be pivotal, marked by concerted efforts to advance sustainability, embrace innovation, and foster global collaboration.
A key focus for UNEP in 2024 is the advancement of sustainable nitrogen management. Nitrogen, a critical component of ecosystems, demands careful stewardship to prevent pollution and mitigate its adverse effects on air, water, and soil. UNEP’s commitment to science-based dialogue and action underscores the importance of evidence-driven strategies to address the intricate dynamics of nitrogen use and its impact on the environment.
Inclusivity takes center stage as UNEP aims to forge collaborative partnerships for biodiversity. Recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the imperative to protect biodiversity, the organization seeks to bring together diverse stakeholders, from governments and businesses to local communities. The emphasis on inclusivity reflects an understanding that comprehensive solutions require the active participation of all sectors of society.
Addressing critical threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is another critical dimension of UNEP’s agenda for 2024. As the misuse of antimicrobials poses a severe risk to human health and the environment, UNEP is poised to advocate for measures that promote responsible use and disposal of these substances.
The intersectionality of environmental and health challenges underscores the necessity of a coordinated, multi-pronged approach.
In the spirit of innovation, UNEP envisions harnessing cutting-edge technologies and approaches to propel environmental sustainability.
Whether through the application of artificial intelligence, blockchain, or other innovative solutions, the organization seeks to leverage the power of technology for positive environmental outcomes. Embracing innovation is seen as a key enabler in the quest for more effective and efficient environmental solutions.
Moreover, UNEP underscores the importance of multilateralism in navigating the complex web of global environmental issues. The interconnected nature of environmental challenges necessitates collaborative action on a global scale. UNEP’s commitment to fostering multilateral cooperation reflects a dedication to creating a shared, sustainable future for all.
As the year unfolds, UNEP’s comprehensive vision for 2024 signifies a collective determination to address environmental issues head-on. By championing science, inclusivity, innovation, and collaboration, UNEP sets a compelling agenda that transcends borders and invites the global community to join hands in safeguarding our planet for generations to come.
Here are some key international events and meetings planned (dates and details subject to change).
January 9 – 10: The 5th Meeting of the UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen
The UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen is convening for its fifth meeting, aimed at advancing the implementation of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions 4/14 and 5/2 concerning “Sustainable Nitrogen Management.” This gathering will occur in Nairobi, Kenya, with both physical and hybrid attendance options available.
January 23 – 25: Bern III Conference on Cooperation among the Biodiversity-related Conventions for the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
The Bern III Conference focuses on enhancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) implementation by fostering inclusive collaboration. It aims to identify opportunities for cooperation among biodiversity-related conventions, suggesting steps to strengthen collaboration while respecting mandates. The conference also emphasizes sharing practical experiences to inform scalable cooperation in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).
February 12 – 17: Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14)
The upcoming CMS COP14 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, emphasises international collaboration for migratory species’ survival. Set under the theme “Nature knows no borders,” it aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This meeting addresses habitat conservation, threats like overexploitation, and the climate crisis. The conference underscores international collaboration for the survival of these species beyond political boundaries.
February 27 – March 1: The 6th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6)
UNEA-6, hosted at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasises effective and sustainable multilateral actions to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Member States and stakeholders will collaborate to advance the Decade of Action, addressing interlinkages between these global challenges through dialogues and official events. The assembly aims to lay the groundwork for strengthened global and regional efforts by the UN, Member States, and partners for impactful environmental action. The event will also feature Leadership Dialogues, several official and associated side events (some hybrid), exhibits, and much more.
March 30: International Day of Zero Waste
The International Day of Zero Waste promotes sustainable consumption and production, advocating for a circular economy to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. With global waste reaching 2.24 billion tons annually, zero-waste initiatives aim to minimize and prevent waste, enhancing environmental protection and human well-being.
April 21 – 30: 4th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4)
The Plastic Pollution Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), as mandated by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) resolution, will convene in Ottawa, Canada. The committee, supported by UNEP, seeks to craft an international legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, encompassing marine environments.
May 28 – 30: Nairobi Convention COP11
The Nairobi Convention is a regional treaty that works to protect, manage, and develop the Western Indian Ocean. Its COP11 comprises a preliminary meeting for partners, experts, and national Focal Points, followed by a Heads of Delegation meeting. The session involves a review of the Convention’s 2022–2024 Work Programme, approval of the 2024–2026 Work Programme and budget, and deliberations on key decisions.
June 3 – 5: 2nd Global meeting of the Montevideo National Focal Points
The Montevideo Environmental Law Programme is dedicated to advancing the global environmental rule of law. The upcoming Second Global Meeting of National Focal Points will convene in Nairobi, Kenya. The programme’s objectives include promoting the development and implementation of the environmental rule of law, enhancing capacity in countries, and contributing to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda.
June 12 – 17: 3rd Session of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel to further the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution
The Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) 3, in line with UNEA resolution 5/8, continues work to propose a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste. Mandated to finalize proposals by 2024, it addresses key aspects like institutional design, governance, name, scope, functions, and operating principles for effective contributions to sound chemical management and pollution prevention.
September 24: High-Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance
The 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents a crucial opportunity to address the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. The meeting aims to renew global commitment, exploring innovative and multilateral actions to combat AMR’s far-reaching implications on healthcare, mortality rates, and overall well-being.
October 21 – 23: 26th Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia Intergovernmental Meeting (COBSEA IGM 26)
The 26th Intergovernmental Meeting of the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) is scheduled to take place in Cambodia. The event will focus on crucial strategies for managing marine environments in the East Asian Seas Region.
October 21 – November 1: 16th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity
The 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), will convene in October–November 2024. The event marks a critical global gathering to address biodiversity conservation, biosafety, and access to genetic resources.
November 4 – 5: 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance
Saudi Arabia hosts the fourth high-level global ministerial conference on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), bringing together leaders to address urgent issues in preventing and managing AMR on a global scale.
November 11 – 24: 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
As a follow-up to the remarkable COP28 in Dubai, UAE in 2023, Azerbaijan hosts COP29. It will also include the 19th Meeting of COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (CMP19), the 6th Meeting of the COP serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA6) that will convene to complete the first enhanced transparency framework and the new collective quantified goal on finance, and the 61st Sessions of the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA61) and the Subsidiary Body for Implementation (SBI61).
November 25 – December 1: 5th Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
Plastic Pollution Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) convenes in Busan, Republic of Korea, as part of UNEA-5.2’s resolution for a legally binding instrument on plastic pollution. With a comprehensive approach covering the plastic life cycle, the aim is to complete the work by the end of 2024.
Some international days related to and led by UNEP will be observed:
- February 2: World Wetlands Day
- March 3: World Wildlife Day
- March 30: International Day of Zero Waste
- April 22: International Mother Earth Day
- May 11: World Migratory Bird Day (1st birds’ biannual migration event)
- May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity
- June 5: World Environment Day
- September 7: International Day of Clean Air for blue skies
- September 29: International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
- October 12: World Migratory Bird Day (2nd birds’ biannual migration event)
- November 6: International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
- November 18 – 24: World Antimicrobial Awareness Week.
