Sixth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Senior Officials Meeting of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, 28 August 2025, Thursday

Agenda item 1: Opening of the Senior Officials Meeting of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Ms. Wasantha Geethanjali Kumaragama, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka and Chair of the Senior Officials Meeting Bureau, fifth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific (Chair) 

Welcome

• Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji
• Ms. Dechen Tsering, Regional Director and Representative, United Nations Environment Programme, Asia and the Pacific

Inaugural address

• Honourable Mosese Bulitavu, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Fiji

Election of Officers and adoption of the agenda

The senior officials will consider and adopt the provisional agenda, subject to such changes as may be necessary.

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum(6)/L.1, Click here

Agenda item 2: Review of the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Asia and the Pacific

Review of the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Asia and the Pacific

• Introduction by the Secretariat
• Country Statements

The agenda item will provide an opportunity for Member States to report on progress on implementation of resolutions adopted by the United Nations Environment Assembly and provide guidance on priorities to be addressed in the region. Lead countries that sporsored resolutions at preceding sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly are India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, Samoa, and Sri Lanka. 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/1, Click here

Agenda item 3: Contribution of the regional forums of ministers of the environment and environment authorities to the UNEP Medium-term Strategy and Programme of Work 

A) UNEP’s Draft Medium-term Strategy 2026-2029 and Programme of Work 2026-2027

• Introduction by the Secretariat
• Country Statements
• Stakeholders Statements (Intergovernmental, International, UN Organizations, Major Groups and Stakeholders)

UNEA Decision 6/7 requested UNEP to prepare the new Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) and a Programme of Work (PoW) and Budget for its first two biennium, through inclusive and regular consultation with Member States and relevant stakeholders. The new strategy, set to be approved at the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in December 2025, will guide UNEP’s strategic direction and play a pivotal role in shaping the global environmental agenda.

The senior officials and other stakeholders may wish to review the report and provide regional input, including priorities, important initiatives and partnership, and multilateral cooperation required to deliver the UNEP’s MTS and PoW.

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/2, Click here

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/2a, Click here

B) Role of the Environment Fund for delivering the United Nations Environment Programme’s Programme of Work

• Introduction by the Secretariat
• Country Statements

The Environment Fund was established in 1972 by the UN General Assembly as the core financial fund of UNEP. The fund is used to provide scientific evidence on the state of the global environment; to identify emerging environmental issues and innovative solutions; to raise awareness and advocacy; and to build capacity. It invests in results-focused programme management and robust oversight. It also finances UNEP’s convening power in bringing together governments, the private sector and civil society to advance the global environmental agenda, for example through the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The Senior Officials and other stakeholders may wish to share good examples of programme delivery at the national level.

To access discussion document: UNEP’s Environment Fund (UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/3), Click here

Lunch Break (Parallel Side Events)

• Side Event 7: From Inclusion to Impact: Advancing Gender-Responsive Technology and Finance Solutions for a Climate Resilient Asia-Pacific
• Side Event 8: Promoting Synergies for National Implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements: Asia-Pacific Perspectives and UNEA Resolution 6/4 Progress

Agenda item 4: Preparations for the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (8-12 December 2025)

A) Draft Ministerial Declaration of the United Nations Environment Assembly at its seventh session.

• Introduction by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly and President of the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman.
• Country Statements.
• Stakeholders Statements.

A process of consultation on a draft declaration, addressing the theme of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet’ was initiated by the President of the Assembly. The main objective is to develop, in a transparent and inclusive manner, a joint vision and achievable actions to address the theme.

The Senior Officials and other stakeholders are invited to provide regional inputs to the draft declaration that will be adopted at the7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/4, Click here

B) Draft resolutions of the United Nations Environment Assembly at its seventh session 

• Introduction by the Secretariat
• Country Statements

Member States may consider submitting relevant draft concept(s)/resolution(s) at the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific for review and further submission to the Committee of Permanent Representatives process. As indicated in the guidance, the deadline for submission of draft resolutions and draft decisions is Monday, 29 September 2025. This deadline is 10 weeks in advance of seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, pursuant to UNEA decision 6/7 and as indicated in the CPR based review.

The Senior Officials and other stakeholders are invited to provide regional inputs to the draft resolutions submitted by the proponents 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/5, Click here

Agenda item 5: Multilateral Environmental Cooperation to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and land degradation, and pollution

Multilateral environmental cooperation is crucial for addressing interconnected global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, and pollution. These issues are often intertwined and require coordinated international action through agreements and partnerships to achieve sustainable solutions. Despite efforts by the international community, environmental degradation is still a concern. Hence, we need to unite forces at all levels to address the impacts and drivers of environmental degradation more effectively. In this regard, strengthening implementation of, and compliance with the Multilateral Environmental Agreements, as well as institutionalizing intergovernmental cooperation for accelerating the national actions are important steps forward.

• Chair (Bureau Member).
• Keynote address by Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
• Panelists
  • Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
  • Ms. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the INC for Plastics Pollution
  • Mr. Youssef Nassef, Director, Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
  • Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (Video)

Forum Chair will invite a panel representing Secretariats of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to deliberate on effective rules-based multilateral systems that support countries in delivering on their national and global commitments, to ensure fair and effective multilateralism, strengthening the environmental rule of law, including by promoting convergence and synergies within the United Nations system and between multilateral environmental agreements

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/INF/2, Click here

Agenda item 6: Endorsement of the report of the Senior Officials Meeting of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

• Introduction by the Secretariat.
• Endorsement of the report of the Senior Officials Meeting of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific.

The senior officials will review a draft report for endorsement and recommend it for adoption by the Ministers at the Ministerial Segment. The draft report will reaffirm the priorities for the future in Asia and the Pacific and demonstrate the commitment of Member States to achieving the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly theme ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet’.

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/6, To be uploaded after the endorsement

Side Event

• Side Event 9: The Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment – A legacy of Ozone and Climate Action and Welcome Reception (UNEP)

29 August 2025, Friday

Ministerial Segment of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific. 29 August 2025, Friday 

Agenda item 7: Opening of the Ministerial Segment of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Opening Prayer

Opening Performance

• Cultural programme.

Welcome address

• His Excellency Mr. Manoa Kamikamica, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for
  Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs & Communications, Fiji
• His Excellency Dr. Abdullah bin Ali Al Amri, President of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly and President of the Environment Authority of the Sultanate of Oman
• Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
• His Excellency Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment, Sri Lanka, and Chair Representative of the fifth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific
• Mr. Ratu Bale Eparama Qerewaqa, Representative of Asia Pacific Major Group for Children and Youth

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, the President of the seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), and the Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme will deliver welcome statements and provide an overview of the meeting, followed by statements by other high-level representatives.

Photo Session (Choreograph) & Break

• His Excellency Dr. Dammika Patabendi, Minister of Environment, Sri Lanka, and Chair Representative of the fifth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific (Chair).
• Election of officers and adoption of the agenda.

The ministers and heads of delegation will elect a Bureau for the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific which will comprise of a Chair and two Vice-Chairs.
The Ministers and Heads of delegation will consider and adopt the provisional agenda, subject to such changes as may be necessary. 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum(6)/L.1, Click here

Agenda item 8: Ministerial dialogue on advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet in Asia and the Pacific (Ministerial Statements)

The UNEA-7 theme sends a strong message to accelerate sustainable solutions and effective responses for a safer and more resilient planet. This theme recognizes that striving for a world that is just, equitable and inclusive hinges on advancing sustainable development, promoting sustained and inclusive economic growth, social development and environmental protection to benefit all, as recognized in the “Future We Want.”
Thus, a resilient planet is one where healthy ecosystem are prioritized; where resource intensity is reduced and efficiency is enhanced; where consumption and production demands are reoriented towards sustainability; and where new technologies and practices can sustainably anticipate and prevent environmental risks. To be successful and truly catalyse the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, all of these conditions must be underpinned by effective and inclusive environmental governance and respect for the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

• Introduction by the Secretariat
• Country Statements

The Ministers and Heads of the delegation will have an opportunity to share perspectives on advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet in Asia and the Pacific. Ministers and other high-level representatives are also invited to share successes, best practices, and suggest concrete actions towards advancing sustainable solutions at national, subregional, and regional levels.

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/7, Click here

Lunch Break (Parallel Side Events)

• Side Event 10: Climate Early Warning Systems for resilience
• Side Event 11: Uniting for 30×30: Catalyzing Marine and Coastal Conservation in the Asia Pacific

Continued Agenda item 8: Ministerial dialogue on advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet in Asia and the Pacific (Ministerial Statements)

• Country Statements

Agenda item 9: Multistakeholder dialogue: Partnership to promote sustainable solutions in Asia and the Pacific (challenges and opportunities)

The multistakeholder dialogue aims to bring together diverse actors to collaborate on shared goals like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other international environmental commitments. Key challenges include ensuring effective coordination among these varied groups, bridging capacity, knowledge and resource gaps, and addressing the diverse needs and priorities at local, national and regional levels. Multistakeholder partnerships can facilitate pooling resources, expertise, and innovation to accelerate progress towards the SDGs, particularly in areas like natural resource management, clean energy, sustainable cities, and climate action. Multistakeholder partnerships can also enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems to various shocks and stresses, including climate change, natural disasters, and economic crises. Facilitating the exchange of knowledge and best practices among stakeholders can enhance understanding of sustainable development challenges and promote the adoption of effective solutions.

• Chair (Bureau Member).
• Keynote address by IPCC Vice Chair Dr. Ladislaus Chang’a
• panelists
  • Dr. Dindo Campilan, Regional Director, IUCN
  • Mr. Dirk Wagener, UN Resident Coordinator, Fiji Multicounty Office and  Head of Delegation, UN Development Coordination Office.
  • Ms. Hanna Helsingen, Director, WWF Pacific Office
  • Mr. Sangmin Nam, Director, UN ESCAP
  • Mr. Ajay K. Jha, Regional Facilitator, Asia Pacific Major Groups and Stakeholders  

Forum Chair will invite a panel representing the voice of multiple stakeholders to share their Asia Pacific regional perspectives on partnership to advancing sustainable solutions, including finance, technology, and capacity building, at national, subregional, and regional levels, towards achieving the environmental dimension of the SDGs. Member States and other stakeholders and representatives will have opportunities to share their statements. 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/INF/3, Click here

Agenda item 10: Role of Subregional Organizations and Bodies in accelerating sustainable solutions in the region

Subregional organizations in Asia and the Pacific play a vital role in coordinating regional actions, supporting capacity building, and monitoring the implementation of the United Nations Environment Assembly resolutions and the environmental dimension of 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. They act as important partners in translating global commitments into local actions and facilitating regional consensus-building. These organizations provide a platform to share knowledge, capacity building on relevant tools, and review progress on achieving the multilateral environmental agreements and SDGs

• Chair (Bureau Member).
• Panelists
  • His Excellency Mr. Baron Waqa, Secretary-General, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
  • His Excellency Mr. Indra Mani Pandey, Secretary-General, Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Video)
  • Dr. Jerome Montemayor, Executive Director, ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity
  • Dr. Pema Gyamtsho, Director General, International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development
  • Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General, The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme

Forum Chair will invite the Heads of the Secretariat of Subregional Organizations to share their commitments on accelerating sustainable solutions towards promoting regional cooperation. 

To access discussion document: UNEP/APEnvForum (6)/INF/4, Click here

Agenda item 11: Submission of Senior Officials meeting report and draft outcomes of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Under this item, the Ministers and Heads of delegation may wish to take note of the key elements of the report of the Senior Officials Meeting and draft outcome of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific.

Agenda item 12: Adoption of the outcome of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Adoption of the outcome of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific.

The Ministers and Heads of delegation will consider the draft report of the Senior Officials Meeting and the draft Chair’s Summary of the Ministerial Segment for adoption. The outcome will reflect policy perspectives and commitments in the Asia Pacific to address the theme of the seventh sessions of the United Nations Environment Assembly ‘Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet’. 

Agenda item 13: Closing Session

Closing Remarks.

• Ms. Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and
  Deputy Executive Director, United Nations Environment Programme
• Chair of the sixth session of the Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific

Closing Prayer

Gala Dinner Hosted by Government of Fiji