“Promoting sustainable solutions for a resilient planet.”
Belgium participated actively to defend multilateral environmental governance and to support ambitious decisions that address the triple planetary crisis: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
What is UNEA?
The United Nations Environment Assembly was established in 2012 following the UN Conference on Sustainable Development. It is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on environmental matters and brings together all 193 UN Member States. Every two years, the Assembly sets global environmental governance priorities and defines the strategic direction of UNEP’s work.
Its role is essential in tackling the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
UNEP itself plays a dual role:
• normative, through flagship reports and the administration of multilateral agreements;
• operational, by supporting developing countries through funds such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund.
UNEA-7: What Was at Stake This Year?
The theme “Promoting sustainable solutions for a resilient planet” sought to accelerate effective responses for a safe and equitable future.
A resilient planet requires:
- healthy ecosystems,
- efficient use of resources,
- sustainable production and consumption models,
- innovative technologies to prevent risks.
All of this must be grounded in inclusive environmental governance and the recognition of the human right to a healthy environment.
Conference Outcomes
During its seventh session, UNEA-7 adopted 11 resolutions and 3 decisions to strengthen international environmental action.
One of the key outcomes was the approval of UNEP’s Medium-Term Strategy 2026–2029 and its Programme of Work 2026–2027, essential documents guiding the organisation’s activities during the second half of the Decade of Action for Sustainable Development.
Several resolutions prioritised by the European Union were also adopted, including: a Kenyan initiative on sustainable artificial intelligence, asking UNEP to analyse its benefits, risks, and environmental impacts; a resolution from Colombia and Oman on the sustainable management of minerals and metals; a Swiss proposal to strengthen regulation of chemicals and waste, including heavy metals; a resolution from Sri Lanka encouraging greater youth participation in environmental decision-making, highlighting the importance of education and sustainability skills — supported by the EU.
Despite significant differences between countries, the Assembly ultimately reached agreement on a Ministerial Declaration, signalling a collective commitment to reinforce international cooperation in the face of global environmental challenges.
And Belgium?
Belgium played a central role in the success of this session. As a member of the UNEA-7 Bureau, Belgium was represented by Peter Maddens, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNEP, serving as Vice-President.
Together with his Peruvian counterpart, he facilitated negotiations on the Ministerial Declaration, a key political document defining global environmental governance priorities. Despite a demanding geopolitical context, Belgium actively contributed to its adoption.
Belgium and the European Union also aimed to support the adoption of an ambitious strategy for UNEP, strengthening its central role in multilateral environmental governance. Belgium confirmed its multi-year financial commitment to UNEP, with a contribution of €16 million between 2025 and 2028.
Promoting the circular economy remains a Belgian priority. Belgium ensured that this theme was reflected in the Ministerial Declaration and in several resolutions, notably:
- those on the governance of critical minerals and metals;
- the management of chemical substances.
Belgium also paid particular attention to the resolution on sustainable artificial intelligence.
Other key issues for the Belgian delegation included: deep-sea protection, youth participation in environmental governance, coral reef conservation, and the environmental dimension of the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
A Belgian Example in East Africa: UNEP’s "Restoration Factory" Programme
Belgium has supported the United Nations Environment Programme for many years in its efforts on climate action and ecosystem restoration. One of the most illustrative initiatives of this partnership is the Restoration Factory.
Launched in Kenya and later expanded to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Tanzania, the programme supports local entrepreneurs working on land restoration, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions. Each year, international mentors are paired with African entrepreneurs to strengthen their business models, access to finance, and capacity to create long-term environmental impact.
Thanks to Belgium’s support, the programme helps to:
- create new economic opportunities in rural areas;
- foster the growth of SMEs engaged in ecological restoration;
- stimulate private investment in the green economy;
- strengthen local capacities to confront the climate crisis.
This example shows how Belgium’s environmental cooperation goes beyond multilateral commitments: it supports people, businesses, and concrete solutions within the communities most exposed to climate change.
