Kenya has urged the international community to rethink resilience beyond environmental protection and embrace a holistic approach that links social justice, sustainable resource use, and innovation-driven development.

Speaking at the opening of the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa said the world can no longer afford piecemeal action in the face of escalating crises.

Addressing delegates from across the globe, Dr. Barasa stated that “A resilient planet is much more than protecting ecosystems; it means using our resources wisely, building just and inclusive societies, ensuring that economic growth respects the boundaries of our planet, and embracing innovation to foresee and prevent harm before it happens.”

She noted that this year’s Assembly theme, “Advancing Sustainable Solutions for a Resilient Planet”, reflects the urgency of adopting bold, integrated, and inclusive strategies.

According to the CS, global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, toxic pollution, and unsustainable consumption patterns are “unique and deeply intertwined,” and therefore cannot be tackled in isolation.

Dr. Barasa highlighted the importance of UNEA-7 in shaping global environmental policy, pointing to the expected approval of the new Medium-Term Strategy and Programme of Work.

She assured delegates that “Kenya looks forward to constructively contributing to its finalisation, ensuring that the MTP reflects ambition, science-based policy, equity, and opportunities for innovation, especially for developing countries.”

In line with this broader vision of resilience, Kenya is sponsoring three resolutions and co-sponsoring two others, measures she said reflect the country’s commitment to constructive multilateralism and global environmental leadership.

These resolutions focus on accelerating sustainable solutions, enhancing transformative resilience, and advancing inclusive environmental governance.

The Cabinet Secretary further emphasised that the Assembly’s work must benefit people across all levels of society.

She said inclusive governance requires ensuring that “women and youth, indigenous peoples, local communities, and marginalised groups have a voice and real power,” adding that solutions must be “fair, just, practical and leave no one behind.”

Dr. Barasa reaffirmed Kenya’s pledge to align national development with the 2030 Agenda, mobilise finance for circular and nature-based solutions, and strengthen institutions that support innovation and knowledge sharing.

As she welcomed delegates to Nairobi, “the world’s environmental home”, Dr. Barasa concluded with a call to action: “Let us resolve that UNEA-7 will not just talk about the future, it will help create it.”