29 November 2017: The third session of the Open-Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives to the UN Environment Programme (OECPR-3) is underway in Nairobi, Kenya, ahead of the third meeting of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-3). In addition to finalizing draft resolutions for adoption at UNEA-3, OECPR-3 will review progress in implementing previous UNEA decisions and consider items and proposals pertaining to the UNEA-3 ministerial outcome document and its theme, ‘Towards a Pollution-Free Planet.’

OECPR 3 delegates are negotiating a broad range of draft resolutions addressing, among other topics: eliminating exposure to lead paint; promoting environmentally sound management of used lead acid batteries; marine plastic litter and micro plastics; protection of the environment in areas affected by armed conflict; managing soil pollution; and UN Environment’s contribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Delegates will also seek to agree on a schedule for finalizing the Sixth Edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-6) and an accompanying summary for policy makers for consideration at the next session of UNEA.

UNEA-3 aims to deliver a number of tangible commitments to end the pollution of air, land, waterways, and oceans, and to safely manage chemicals and waste, including a negotiated long-term programme of action against pollution that is linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The High-Level Segment of UNEA-3, which will take place from 5-6 December, is also expected to endorse a political declaration on pollution, aimed at outlining policy measures for, inter alia: addressing pollution to protect human health while protecting the developmental aspirations of current and future generations. The ministerial segment will debut the interactive ‘Leadership Dialogues,’ aimed at providing participants with an opportunity for high-level engagement and discussion on how to achieve a pollution-free planet.

Other UNEA-3 outcomes will include voluntary commitments by governments, private sector entities and civil society organizations to address pollution, and the ‘#BeatPollution Pledge,’ a collection of individual commitments to clean up the planet.

Discussions at UNEA-3 will draw on a background report by the UNEP Executive Director, titled ‘Towards a Pollution-Free Planet.’ The Report explores the latest evidence, as well as responses and gaps in addressing pollution challenges, and outlines opportunities that the 2030 Agenda presents to accelerate action on tackling pollution.

During the OECPR-3 opening plenary, UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim said the decision to put pollution right and center reflected the opportunity to bring together many SDGs into one, forward-looking agenda.

UNEA-3 will take place from 4-6 December 2017, in Nairobi, Kenya. Other events taking place in conjunction with UNEA-3 include the Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum, held from 27-28 November, and the Science, Policy and Business Forum, taking place from 2-3 December. A Sustainable Innovation Expo will also take place, showcasing the latest developments in terms of science, innovation and technology. [IISD RS Coverage of OECPR-3 and UNEA-3]