events event: Ninth Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference

Date: October 05, 2022 to October 07, 2022

Place:  Filoxenia’ Conference Centre, Nicosia - Cyprus

Description of the event: 

The Environment for Europe process (EfE) is a unique pan-European platform – established  by the region’s Ministers of Environment over thirty years ago in Dobris Castle (Czechia) – for addressing environmental challenges, improving environmental governance, promoting environmental and cross-sectoral cooperation and information-sharing among countries.

From 5 to 7 October 2022, the Minsters of Environment of the pan-European region will meet in Nicosia/Cyprus at their Ninth Environment for Europe Conference to consider the progress achieved in environmental protection, advancing sustainable development and greening economies in the ECE region since launching their EfE process in 1991.

In doing so, they will reflect on the outcomes and policy recommendations of the Seventh pan-European Environmental Assessment; consider the progress made by Parties in the implementation of the Multilateral Environmental Agreements; and review evolution of the Shared Environmental Information System across the region to support a regular process of environmental assessment. They are also expected to endorse findings of the fourth cycle of Environmental Performance Reviews.

At this critical turning point, when the ECE region has become the focus of geopolitical conflicts and extreme climate events - heatwaves, forest fires and floods – and is still feeling consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministers will also address numerous challenges that need to be tackled by the whole of society. They will assess the role of the Environment for Europe process in the inclusive and sustainable recovery of the region, in its green and just transition, and in building a sustainable future based on enhanced cooperation and the advent of peace, implementing the vision for the Environment in the pan-European region by 2023 and beyond.

Thousand delegates from more than 60 countries, representing national and local authorities, international organisations, civil society, youth, women, academia, business and finance communities, will ponder on the two key themes of the Nicosia Conference. Notably, greening the economy in the pan-European region and working towards sustainable infrastructure; and applying principles of circular economy to sustainable tourism. In addition to evaluating the state of affairs in these areas and considering available policy options, they will exchange good practices that not only go beyond the existing commitments but also can infuse changes towards transforming the planet.

To mark environmental protection as a cornerstone of life and human health the Ministers of Education will join the Minsters of Environment to consider a new framework for the implementation of the UNECE Strategy for Education for Sustainable Development from 2021 to 2030. They will pinpoint approaches to advance the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda in all areas of education, strengthen environmental democracy and empower learners of all ages with the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes to address the interconnected global challenges we are facing, including climate change, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, pollution, poverty and inequality.

The two-and-a-half-day Conference will culminate by the adoption of the Ministerial Declaration outlining pan-European commitments for the next period.

Location: ‘Filoxenia’ Conference Centre Nicosia/Cyprus

Contact (focal point): efe[at]un.orgZaal.Lomtadze[at]un.org

Type: Open

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