• Overview

In 2022, UNEP will mark the 50th anniversary of its creation at the 1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm Conference). As part of commemorating the 50th anniversary, the proposed side event will shed light on how, through UNEP, Member States have given birth to the Minamata Convention in response to a growing concern over the impact of mercury emissions on human health and the environment, thereby paving the way for an environment free of the harmful effects of mercury. The entry into force of the Minamata Convention is one of the key milestones in the history of UNEP and international environmental governance that could provide insights into how UNEP and the international community could further catalyse joint action to address the triple environmental crises – namely, climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. In the proposed side event, panelists are expected to share views on further strengthening the role of UNEP in identifying emerging environmental problems and mobilizing political action to address them using the Minamata Convention as an example and against the backdrop of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Expected result

The side event is expected to raise awareness on the important role of UNEP in safeguarding the environment and, by extension, human health by facilitating the creation and implementation of environmental agreements such as the Minamata Convention. The event is also expected to raise the profile of the Minamata Convention as a landmark in environmental governance.

Proposed format and programme

Moderated discussion (moderator: Marianne Bailey, Programme Officer, Minamata Convention secretariat)

  • Juan Bello, Coordination Officer for UNEP@50, UNEP
  • Sofia Tingstorp, Stockholm+50 Secretariat, Ministry of the Environment, Sweden
  • Sam Adu-Kumi, Director, Environmental Protection Agency, Ghana
  • Yasuhisa Kitagawa, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Kenya
  • Representative of major groups and stakeholders (tbd)

The target audience includes all the participants, from governments and major groups and stakeholders, attending the Minamata COP.

Contact

Hyun Sung, UNEP Law Division (Email: hyun.sung@un.org)