The state of the planet is a key agenda item for the United Nations General Assembly. This page features related updates from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and its partners, including key moments of the year such as July’s High-level Political Forum and September’s High-Level Week.
See: full list of 2025 events organized by UNEP or at which UNEP senior officials are participating
24 Sep
2024
10:00
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative announced as finalist for The Earthshit Prize 2024
The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative (Altyn Dala - meaning Golden Steppe in Kazakh) has today been announced as one of 15 finalists for The Earthshot Prize 2024 and one of three in the ‘Protect and Restore Nature’ category. The initiative has been recognized for its efforts to conserve and restore the ecosystems of the ancient Kazakh steppe, wetlands, and deserts for the benefit of Saiga Antelope and other globally important wildlife.
As a long-term collaborative partnership between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Ecology & Natural Resources, the Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK), Fauna & Flora, Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Altyn Dala, was initially founded in 2005 to prevent the extinction of Saiga Antelope.
Having today been selected as a finalist from over 2,400 nominees, the announcement follows the global recognition of Altyn Dala by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration as one of only 17 World Restoration Flagships in 2022.
24 Sep
2024
09:36
Look Back: Summit of the Future Side Event on Human Rights of Future Generations
On 21 September, the virtual side event “Human Rights of Future Generations” of the Summit of the Future took stock of the process leading to the adoption of the Declaration on Future Generations.
A diverse set of panellists - including UNEP’s Environmental Law Specialist Juliana Almeida, governmental representatives, youth, and civil society advocates - discussed opportunities for UN institutions, governments, and other stakeholders to promote the principle of intergenerational equity in international governance. They also highlighted recent developments related to the consolidation of legal norms, including the Maastricht Principles on the Human Rights of Future Generations.
Watch the event recording:
23 Sep
2024
16:26
UNEP Executive Director calls for sustainable, environmentally sound digital transformation
On 21 September 2024, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen addressed the High-Level Roundtable on the Global Digital Compact during the Summit of the Future. In her speech, she highlighted the potential and the risks that go along with the digital revolution.
“If we use, and use well, the tools this revolution is bringing, they can slow the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Help developing nations leapfrog to cleaner and more prosperous development pathways. And, of course, help to deliver sustainable development,” Andersen said.
“We know that technologies such as AI impact the environment, from mining to emissions, from water consumption to E-waste – with issues of injustice deeply entrenched. But these impacts are not researched enough, particularly in the global south,” she added.
After the speech, UNEP released an Issues Note on the Environmental Impacts of AI.
23 Sep
2024
15:26
The Pact for the Future has been adopted by member countries by consensus at UN Headquarters in New York
23 Sep
2024
15:00
Launch of World Social Protection Report: 24 September
To launch its flagship World Social Protection Report 2024-2026: Universal Social Protection for Climate Action and a Just Transition, the International Labour Organization (ILO) will hold a global political event at the UN headquarters in New York on 24 September 2024, 1315-1430 hrs EDT.
On the heels of the Summit of the Future, the report provides an overview of progress made around the world since 2015 in extending social protection, with a sharp focus on the need for climate action to transition to a more sustainable world.
Featuring Sheila Aggarwal Khan, Director of UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division, the launch event will involve a high-level panel discussion, which unpacks the challenges and policy priorities addressed by the report.
23 Sep
2024
12:55
UNEP Executive Director advocates the conclusion of a global plastics treaty at Summit of the Future
23 Sep
2024
12:26
SDG Media Zone at Summit of the Future: 23 – 27 September
Tune in for the latest on global issues, the Summit of the Future and accelerating progress and opportunities on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)! Taking place from 23–27 September, the SDG Media Zone is a dynamic space for enriching conversations with thought leaders from civil society, private sector, UN Principals, Messengers of Peace and Goodwill Ambassadors.
22 Sep
2024
00:05
Official start of the Summit of the Future: 22 – 23 September
After the Action Days provided additional opportunities for all actors to get involved, the Summit of the Future officially begins today. In addition to plenary meetings, the following interactive dialogues provide another platform for world leaders to come together to forge a new international consensus on how we deliver a better present and safeguard the future. The dialogues will be held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at the UN Headquarters, New York. Time zone: EDT.
22 September | 1000-1300 hrs | Transforming global governance and turbocharging the implementation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development
22 September | 1500-1800 hrs | Enhancing multilateralism for international peace and security
23 September | 1000-1300 hrs | Towards a Common Digital Future: strengthening inclusive innovation and cooperation to bridge the digital divides
23 September | 1500-1800 hrs | The Future Starts Now: enhancing the global system for current and future generations
20 Sep
2024
11:53
UNEP at UNGA 79 this weekend: 20 – 22 September
As dialogues considering the world’s path towards a just and resilient future at the UN General Assembly, UNEP is taking part in the following events this weekend. Time zone: EDT.
20 September | 1500-1615 hrs | Empowering Youth for Sustainable Futures: Intergenerational Responsibility and Skills for a Just Transition
Where: UNHQ Conference Room 2 and live
21 September | 1630-1830 hrs | The Global Digital Compact: A Roadmap to Advance Sustainable Digital Transformation for an Equitable and Sustainable World
Where: Estonian House, 234 E 34th St, New York
Other events to watch out for this weekend:
20 September | 0830-1230 hrs | Youth Forum on the Future of the Environment
Where: Estonian House, 234 E 34th St, New York
21 September | Human Rights of Future Generations - the path forward.
Where: Virtual
21 September | 1400-1530 hrs | Confronting Conflict Crisis and climate for a sustainable tomorrow through intergenerational action
Where: Even hotel, E 44th St, New York
22 September | 1500-1630 hrs | Mobilizing Private Sector Ambition and Accountability to Transform Food Systems
Where: Private dining room 4th floor
22 September | 1830-2000 hrs | Sustainable Development Goals at a Turning Point
Where: Tavern on the Green, W 67th St, New York
20 Sep
2024
10:09
High-Level Side Event during UNGA: Galvanizing Momentum for Global Plastic Pollution Action
A high-level event entitled “Galvanizing Momentum for the Global Plastic Pollution Instrument” will take place during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA). This event, organized by the Government of Kenya in collaboration with UNEP, aims to mobilize political momentum and global partnerships in the fight against plastic pollution, focusing on the development of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024.
Following the Summit of the Future, the event will showcase best practices, innovative solutions and joint actions to reduce plastic waste and promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Keynote speakers include:
- H.E. William Ruto, PhD, President of the Republic of Kenya
- H.E. Jona Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway
- Ms. Inger Andersen, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP
