Nairobi gears up for UNEA-7 as Kenya champions tougher global rules on pollution

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Kenya is set to host the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi from 8 to 12 December 2025, with more than 4,000 delegates expected to attend the global meeting.

Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Dr Deborah Barasa said Kenya will sponsor resolutions and showcase national programmes, including the 15 Billion Tree Growing Initiative.

She said the country will push for firm outcomes on plastics and chemicals during the Assembly.

She explained that Kenya will advocate for a plastics treaty that tackles pollution from the source, not merely at the waste stage, arguing that global rules must be comprehensive.

“Kenya will not support a treaty on plastics that merely manages waste,” said the CS. “The treaty must address the full life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal.”

CS Barasa added that UNEA-7 will enable the country to present community-based restoration work and press for increased financing for nature-based solutions.

“Strong global rules on chemicals and waste will protect consumers, markets and ecosystems,” she said.

Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme Inger Andersen said 19 draft resolutions will be considered at UNEA-7, covering areas such as artificial intelligence, minerals and metals, wildfires and the hydrological cycle.

She noted that the global environmental crisis is deepening and requires coordinated responses.She highlighted that environmental pressures, including record heat and disappearing ecosystems, continue to affect all regions, making joint decision-making essential.

“Environmental and climate impacts are accelerating and intensifying,” said Andersen.

“Rising emissions are fuelling record heatwaves, while ecosystems are disappearing.”

Andersen noted that UNEA-7 will provide countries with a platform to align their efforts across climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, stressing that progress comes from sustained cooperation.

“No single Assembly can deliver our global goals,” she said.

“It is continued engagement, when countries show up side-by-side, that keeps progress moving.”

Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei outlined the Government’s preparations, saying Kenya will offer free Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to all registered delegates.

Dr Sing'Oei said security will be provided by the Diplomatic Police Unit and a help desk will be set up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

He said Kenya expects broad representation of leaders, youth, civil society, and international organisations, noting that the Assembly reinforces the country’s role in global environmental diplomacy.

“Kenya expects to host over 4,000 delegates, including ministers, international organisations, civil society and youth,” said Dr Sing'Oei.

“A branded help desk will be set up at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to facilitate arrivals.”

He added that UNEA-7 comes at a time when countries must strengthen collective action to address complex environmental risks.

“Environmental challenges are growing, and no country can address them alone,” he said.

UNEA-7 will also feature the Youth Environment Assembly, Multilateral Environmental Agreement Day, Leadership Dialogues and exhibitions highlighting Kenya’s restoration and climate-resilience initiatives.