Brussels, 30/06/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission was delighted that the first United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) hosted in Nairobi (23-27 June) by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) made progress on global sustainable development goals, due for adoption in 2015.
Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, said that he welcomed UNEA's call “for a strong environmental dimension in the future sustainable development goals and the resolution on the global fight against the trafficking of wild species”.
Agreement was reached on a ministerial document underlining the importance of a healthy environment as a given and as a driving force for economic growth and realistic objectives. This document calls on the next High-Level Political Forum and the UN General Assembly to take into account UNEA's positions in setting out new sustainable development targets that will replace the MDGs. Organised on the theme “A Life of Dignity for All”, the UNEA General Assembly also adopted resolutions on air pollution, pollution at sea from plastic particles and improving chemical and waste product management. (AN)