Towards sustainability: a look ahead to environmental moments in 2024

The year 2024 will be marked by a number of events and observances with important implications for the environment, biodiversity, and global sustainability. From advancing sustainable nitrogen management to fostering inclusive collaboration for biodiversity and addressing critical threats like antimicrobial resistance, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will work to support multilateralism, science-based dialogue and actions, innovation, partnerships for people and planet and much more. 

Here are some key international events and meetings planned (dates and details subject to change): 

9 – 10 January: 5th Meeting of the UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen  

The UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen is convening for its fifth meeting, aimed at advancing the implementation of UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolutions 4/14 and 5/2 concerning "Sustainable Nitrogen Management." This gathering will occur in Nairobi, Kenya, with both physical and hybrid attendance options available.

23 – 25 January: Bern III Conference on Cooperation among the Biodiversity-related Conventions for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 

The Bern III Conference focuses on enhancing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) implementation by fostering inclusive collaboration. It aims to identify opportunities for cooperation among biodiversity-related conventions, suggesting steps to strengthen collaboration while respecting mandates. The conference also emphasizes sharing practical experiences to inform scalable cooperation in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

12 – 17 February: Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP 14) 

The upcoming CMS COP14 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, emphasizes international collaboration for migratory species' survival. Set under the theme "Nature knows no borders," it aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This meeting addresses habitat conservation, threats like overexploitation and the climate crisis. The conference underscores international collaboration for the survival of these species beyond political boundaries.

27 February – 1 March: 6th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) 

UNEA-6, hosted at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasizes effective and sustainable multilateral actions to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Member States and stakeholders will collaborate to advance the Decade of Action, addressing interlinkages between these global challenges through dialogues and official events. The assembly aims to lay the groundwork for strengthened global and regional efforts by the UN, Member States, and partners for impactful environmental action. The event will also feature Leadership Dialogues, a number of official and associated side events (some hybrid), exhibits, and much more.

30 March: International Day of Zero Waste 

The International Day of Zero Waste promotes sustainable consumption and production, advocating for a circular economy to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. With global waste reaching 2.24 billion tons annually, zero-waste initiatives aim to minimize and prevent waste, enhancing environmental protection and human well-being.

21 – 30 April: 4th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) 

The Plastic Pollution Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4), as mandated by the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) resolution, will convene in Ottawa, Canada. The committee, supported by UNEP, seeks to craft an international legally binding instrument addressing plastic pollution, encompassing marine environments. 

28 – 30 May: Nairobi Convention COP 11 

The Nairobi Convention is a regional treaty that works to protect, manage, and develop the Western Indian Ocean. Its COP 11 comprises a preliminary meeting for partners, experts, and national Focal Points, followed by a Heads of Delegation meeting. The session involves a review of the Convention's 2022–2024 Work Programme, approval of the 2024–2026 Work Programme and budget, and deliberations on key decisions.

3 – 5 June: 2nd Global meeting of the Montevideo National Focal Points 

The Montevideo Environmental Law Programme is dedicated to advancing global environmental rule of law. The upcoming Second Global Meeting of National Focal Points will convene in Nairobi, Kenya. The programme's objectives include promoting the development and implementation of environmental rule of law, enhancing capacity in countries, and contributing to the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda.

17 – 12 June: 3rd session of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group on a Science-Policy Panel to further the sound management of chemicals and waste and to prevent pollution 

The Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) 3, in line with UNEA resolution 5/8, continues work to propose a Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals and Waste. Mandated to finalize proposals by 2024, it addresses key aspects like institutional design, governance, name, scope, functions, and operating principles for effective contributions to sound chemical management and pollution prevention.

24 September: High Level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance 

The 2024 United Nations General Assembly High-level Meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents a crucial opportunity to address the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance. The meeting aims to renew global commitment, exploring innovative and multilateral actions to combat AMR's far-reaching implications on healthcare, mortality rates, and overall well-being.