Key programmatic highlights
As we seek to dry the ink on the next MTS, I am pleased to report progress on our Programme of Work. Much of this is detailed in the Quarterly Report, but allow me to share some highlights. Our progress on securing the health of people and planet is situated within the broader framework of the Implementation Plan “Towards A Pollution-Free Planet”. Mandated by the Ministerial Declaration adopted by the Third UN Environment Assembly, the Implementation Plan aims to build synergies across various streams of UNEP work on pollution to strengthen coordination, information sharing, communication and reporting. You will hear more from the Team today.
The Global Tailings Review convened by UNEP, the Principles for Responsible Investment and the International Council on Mining and Metals launched the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management in August. This is the first global standard on tailings management. It aims to significantly raise the bar for the mining industry to achieve stronger social, environmental and technical outcomes against the backdrop of terrible tragedies such as the Brumadinho tailings facility collapse in Brazil. Working together with industry and investors, we have effectively used our convening power to achieve this important milestone. Building on this successful model, UNEP will explore whether comparable standards can be developed to minimize the risk of at least some of the environmental catastrophes I referenced at the beginning of my remarks.
Excellencies, the Outcome document The Future we want adopted by the General Assembly in 2012, called on UNEP to “disseminate and share evidence-based environmental information, and raise public awareness on critical, as well as emerging, environmental issues.” I am proud to report that we continue to hold true to this task. Millions of people may have been indoors for months, but undeterred and with host country Colombia, UNEP organized vibrant, engaging and completely virtual World Environment Day celebrations in the lead up to and on 05 June. A multi-lingual digital campaign #ForNature reached out to more than 100 million people. My appreciation to the Government of Germany for supporting this endeavour. We look forward to driving global conversation around nature at the UN Biodiversity Summit, the Fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5) and the 15th Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
So a word on UNEA – My thanks to Ambassador Coimbra for the excellent summary of the Joint meeting of the UNEA and CPR Bureau. Irrespective of the decision we arrive at, UNEP is fully committed to being flexible, realistic and prudent, in support of a successful UNEA-5. Our hope at the very least is for Member States to deliberate on and gavel the next Medium-Term Strategy, the Programme of Work and the Budget.
Update on funding
I am pleased to report that contributions to the Environment Fund in 2020 at over US$ 71 million, have exceeded 2019 contribution. A huge thanks to Member States for this vote of confidence. Nevertheless, the liquidity crisis impacting the United Nations regular budget, and expenditure controls introduced by the UN Secretary-General – notably the freeze on the UN regular budget – are beginning to impact UNEP. As you may recall, following Rio + 20, UNEP saw an increase in regular budget funding for critical positions such as the Chief Scientist and Sub-Programme Coordinators. So while regular budget funding constitutes only five per cent of our budget envelope, a prolonged inability to fill regular budget-funded vacancies – including by way of illustration the Chief Scientist position – will have a detrimental effect on our ability to deliver vital parts of the Programme of Work. Mindful of global uncertainties, we will be prudent in expenditure controls that we have put in place. I look forward to continuing our dialogue on funding and resource mobilization at the upcoming Annual Sub Committee in October.
Inclusive multilateralism can rise to the challenge
As the UN Secretary-General has noted, this is a “make or break moment for the planet”. As we seek to reboot the global economy, how we prioritize and direct our resources can either secure human, economic and environmental health for generations to come, or take us down the grey path that has brought with it the suffering we are seeing today. We have little choice in the path we must take. Because if we look at the numbers, investing in a green recovery is the only thing that makes economic sense. Because spending on renewable energy can generate 2.5 times more jobs than fossil fuels. Because cleaner air can reduce the burden of disease from air pollution which is costing some countries 7 per cent or more of their GDP every year. Because as we embark on the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, we know that investing one dollar in restoring ecosystems can generate nine dollars by way of return on ecosystem services and livelihoods. Because we know, as we witness an extraordinary General Assembly – one that is virtual and marks the 75th anniversary of the United Nations –that inclusive and effective multilateralism can rise to meet the challenge of these turbulent times.
We need your leadership to put nature and environmental stewardship at the heart of COVID-19 recovery because iconic American civil rights leader John Lewis who passed away a few months ago noted, “ Whatever we do to the earth, we do to each other.” UNEP stands ready to support Member States on this journey.
Thank you.
Executive Director
