Mister President of the Assembly
Madam Executive Director
distinguished delegates
It is my privilege to speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States.
Serbia and Ukraine align with the EU statement.
Two days ago, the UN Environment Programme launched its flagship report - the Global Environmental Outlook.
It delivered a sobering message.
Despite global efforts and calls for action, our planet is entering uncharted territory with the deepening, overlapping crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and desertification, pollution and waste.
These crises affect all our ecosystems, in particular the most vulnerable ones from terrestrial to deep-sea.
But the report also gave us hope.
It offered transformative solutions, which, if followed at scale and pace can deliver our environmental goals.
So, I want to begin today with a clarion call for action: this Assembly must take impactful decisions, leading to solid solutions for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
Since UNEA‑6, we have witnessed important developments.
The establishment of the new Science‑Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution, and the BBNJ Agreement reaching the required number of ratifications to enter into force next month are landmark achievements.
In parallel, negotiations are advancing on a legally binding global agreement to end plastic pollution.
The INC process provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate political will and global solidarity, and the EU and its Member States are working constructively to reach an effective treaty.
However, we also need to be honest about the current state of play.
Despite these welcome developments, environmental multilateralism is under more serious pressure today than it has been for some time.
We urgently need to re-commit to and re-energise multilateralism to meet these global challenges. This includes the very institutions that we have created.
The EU and its Member States remain committed to supporting UNEPs strong mandate for promoting science-based policy and fostering international cooperation.
Distinguished delegates,
The theme of UNEA‑7, “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet,” reminds us of the need to accelerate practical, science-based solutions that build resilience for both society and nature.
From circular economy to sustainable resource management, and from protecting biodiversity to tackling pollution, this theme calls on all of us to strengthen global cooperation.
Bold commitments are vital. But they must be translated into concrete steps to secure a resilient and safe environment for current and future generations.
We have a shared responsibility to strengthen UNEAs leadership and ensure it remains a beacon for ambitious and inclusive environmental action.
Through collective effort, we can deliver wide-reaching resolutions, an effective, forward-looking Ministerial Declaration, and a new Mid-Term Strategy to guide our joint work.
This will send a clear, unified message of ambition to the international community and will give a much-needed boost to environmental multilateralism.
And by strengthening mutual trust and cooperation, we can start to deliver the outcomes needed to protect people and the planet.
Thank you.