Commissioner Roswalls closing remarks at the event, Leveraging Global Environmental Cooperation to Boost Competitiveness and Resilience hosted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Distinguished guests, Honourable Members, colleagues, friends,

What an interesting, thoughtful discussion.

Thank you to the Environment Committee and the UN Environment Programme for gathering us here today.

And to all the speakers for their insightful contributions. 

There are some very clear takeaways.

First - we are living through geopolitical and environmental challenges that are testing our societies, economies, and ecosystems.

Second - The greatest challenges facing us – from climate change and biodiversity loss to escalating conflict and economic turmoil – are shared ones. They demand shared solutions.

Environmental multilateralism is the key to a more competitive and sustainable future.

This has been one of my guiding principles since I began this role. I am personally investing in ensuring we lead by example in the engagement at multilateral level.

My first Mission as EU Commissioner was to Riadh to the UN Desertification Convention COP and my first meeting was EU Coordination.  

Last August, I joined the negotiations for the plastics treaty, pushing for an impactful agreement. Let me take the opportunity to highlight that I was disappointed by the results.

Last month, I decided to go to UNGA to personally participate in important discussions on biodiversity and water resilience – and build new bridges with UN colleagues.

Yesterday I came back from Cairo, from their Water Week, to continue discussing with international partners the preparations for the UN Water Conference in 2026

As you see – I am fully invested in this - I will continue this global and multilateral collaboration for the duration of my mandate – because environmental degradation and climate change are not waiting.

Our economies and economic markets are not waiting. Our planet cannot afford to wait. And neither can younger generations or future generations.

We need to act now. Today. Decisively, collectively, and strategically – and the EU is determined to lead the way.

This goes beyond setting regulations within our borders.

It involves forging global partnerships, shaping international agreements, and proving that collective action turns ambition into reality.

In todays uncertain world, many countries are pulling down the shutters or putting up walls.

We are doing the very opposite – and we will stay the course on multilateralism.   

As a Party to over 30 Multilateral Environmental Agreements, the EU is committed to developing and implementing frameworks to tackle emerging threats.

However, environmental negotiations are sometimes becoming geopolitical battlegrounds.  

Environmental action is sacrificed on the alter of political expediency.  Or dismissed under the false assumption that it does not impact security.

We need to protect environmental discussions. That means prioritising science-driven and evidence-based policies.

The recent establishment of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution is an example of what we can achieve when we work together.

We also need to convince citizens and partners worldwide that global environmental cooperation doesnt only benefit birds and trees – it also unlocks concrete economic opportunities for our societies.

Boosting competitiveness and economic resilience is a key priority for this Commission. And it absolutely goes hand in hand with environmental action.

Indeed, your discussions today highlighted this economic value, including:

• cost savings through investments in nature-based solutions and adaptation to climate-related risks,
• new markets for sustainable products and services, and
• inclusive and sustainable growth that leaves no one behind.

As an example, shifting towards a competitive circular economy can unlock major economic opportunities while safeguarding our planet.

Recognising the economic value of environmental action can also help to bring actors on board.

For example, we need to apply this approach to the current negotiations for a new plastics treaty.

Rethinking the way we produce and use plastic does not mean bringing down entire sectors or economies.

Instead, it provides opportunities for innovation and the development of alternatives — while delivering major benefits to both human health and the environment.

Dear friends,

Environmental action, economic resilience and socio-economic reforms are deeply connected.

Boosting one strengthens the other. And together, they lead to a more sustainable, more resilient and healthier future - for our economies, our people, and our planet.

I cannot think of a more worthy goal. And it will continue to guide my multilateral outreach and collaboration.

Thank you.