Multilateral actions to safeguard the environment: A timeline 

Since the founding of the United Nations in 1945, countries have worked together to forge groundbreaking agreements to safeguard the environment. From protecting species to repairing the ozone layer, these accords reflect the power of international cooperation even in challenging times. 

A subset of these pacts, known as Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), underpin the global environmental movement. They will be a focus of the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), which takes place from 26 February to 1 March 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.    

One of the goals of the Assembly will be to strengthen global cooperation with the MEAs and to ensure UNEA-6 resolutions reflect the aims of these important agreements.    

Ahead of those talks, here is a closer look at the history of MEAs and other accords designed to protect the planet.