November 2015: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has launched an e-discussion to help shape a global thematic report that will be presented at the Second UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 2), in May 2016. Interested participants can provide input via ‘My UNEA,’ an online platform for stakeholder participation in the work of UNEP and the UNEA.

The global thematic report, titled ‘Healthy Environment-Healthy People,’ will provide evidence on the linkages between environmental quality, human health and well-being, and propose policy options for improved health and well-being. It is expected to suggest opportunities for improvements in environmental quality to help countries strengthen the health and well-being of their citizens while also enhancing economic productivity and protecting natural capital.

The global conversation on the report is organized around five areas: mapping the scientific evidence; sharing narratives of hope and taking the new opportunity offered by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); building resilience and providing policy options; enhancing partnerships; and considering the impact of governance and legal tools on environment and health linkages. Dedicated pages on each issue allow participants to share examples, such as on cases where improved environmental quality has led to improved health and human well-being through ecosystem restoration, or action on ozone layer protection.

Each discussion space remains active until mid-November, at which point the moderators of each space will develop a summary of the issues raised there.

‘Healthy Environment-Healthy People’ will be presented during a ministerial policy review session on the same theme, during the UNEA’s High-level Segment (HLS). The deadline for submissions is 30 November 2015.

UNEA-2 will convene in Nairobi, Kenya, from 23-27 May 2016, with a main theme of ‘Delivering on the environmental dimension of the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.’ [UNEA Information] [E-discussion on Thematic Report]