The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) being the world’s highest decision-making body on the environment, commenced from the 8th-12th of December 2025, with over 6,000 Representing the Cook Islands was Director of National Environment Services Mr. Halatoa Fua and Environment Partnerships Coordinator, Mareva Cameron.
After a year of climate disasters, shrinking development finance, and shifting geopolitical realities, the world came together at the heart of global environmental governance to take bold action for the planet and its people. “As the UN enters its 81st year, your work here can remind the world of the power of multilateralism.” – UN Secretary-General António Guterres, message to the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7). The message of multilateralism was repeatedly highlighted by Member States, as delegates tackled emerging issues connecting the environment with technology, health, the global economy and the triple planetary crisis of climate, biodiversity and pollution.
After a long week of negotiations at UNEA-7 and the week prior at the Open Ended Committee of Permanent Representatives (OECPR), the UNEA successfully adopted 11 resolutions. Some of the key resolutions addressed the sound management of chemicals and waste, international cooperation on the environmentally sound management of minerals and metals, the meaningful participation of youth in environmental processes and on environmental education and global actions to promote climate resilience of coral reefs which was submitted by Fiji.
UNEA‑7 served as an important forum for all Member States, including the Cook Islands, to contribute to the development of multilateral environmental agreements and to deepen collaboration at the science–policy–innovation interface and evidence-based decision making. The High-Level Dialogue and Multi‑Stakeholder event convened a broad range of perspectives from Member States, civil society, and science and business coalitions, collectively advocating for environmental sustainability and responding to the triple planetary crises.
More information regarding a summary and brief analysis of the 11 resolutions and UNEA-7, can be obtained from the website Summary and analysis report 1–12 December 2025 UNEA-7
