In a bold stride towards global environmental stewardship, Sierra Leone’s Minister of the Environment, Mr. Jiwoh Emmanuel Abdulai, is spearheading the nation’s delegation at the ongoing Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Commencing on Monday, 26th February 2024, and set to conclude on the 1st March 2024, this pivotal Assembly seeks to restore the delicate balance between humanity and nature while uplifting the lives of the world’s most vulnerable populations. It serves as a beacon for groundbreaking decisions and innovative solutions, igniting a collective resolve for environmental action that resonates with the Sustainable Development Goals.
With the overarching theme of “Effective, Inclusive, and Sustainable Multilateral Actions to Tackle Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution,” UNEA-6 is poised to craft a Ministerial Declaration that charts the course forward. This gathering couldn’t be more timely, as the world grapples with unprecedented environmental challenges that reverberate across every corner of our planet.
The opening plenary of UNEA-6 witnessed captivating addresses from distinguished figures including Her Excellency Ms. Leila Benali, President of UNEA-6, Her Excellency Madam Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), Madam Soipan Tuya, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry of Kenya, and Her Excellency Madam Inger Anderson, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These speeches resonated with a shared commitment to bolstering environmental protections and fostering sustainable development.
During the opening plenary sessions, the Assembly also embraced statements from regional and political groups, as well as global environmental stakeholders. Decisions were made regarding the organizational framework, including the establishment of a dynamic Committee of the Whole and the election of its Chair. Unanimous adoption of the Assembly’s agenda further underscores the unity of purpose driving this critical gathering.
Joining Minister Abdulai in the Sierra Leonean delegation are esteemed individuals including Madam Isatu Aminata Bundu, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone to Kenya and Permanent Representative to UNEP, Dr. Abu-Bakarr Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the Environmental Protection Agency EPA-Sierra Leone, Tamba Sangba Esq., Deputy Director of Legal Affairs – Compliance and Enforcement, and Madam Amie Angela Buck, First Secretary of Sierra Leone’s High Commission to Kenya.
As Sierra Leone assumes its rightful place on the global stage, it reaffirms its unwavering commitment to environmental conservation, sustainability, and the collective well-being of our planet and its inhabitants. Through collaborative efforts and resolute action, we stand poised to address the pressing challenges of our time, safeguarding our natural heritage for generations to come.
By A.B. Dakowa
Information Attache’
Sierra Leone High Commission in Kenya.
