The virtual Fifth session of UNEA, which ended on Tuesday 24 February concluded that the planet is in crisis and nature must be at the heart of global efforts to build back better after the COVID-19 pandemic. UNEA-5.1 also marked the start of a period of reflection and celebration to mark the creation of UNEP 50 years ago.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, declared that “the urgency for action has never been clearer”, adding that 2021 is a critical year to reset our relationship with nature, noting that Member States will also gather this year to address biodiversity loss, chemical pollution, ocean health, desertification and climate disruption.
