Organized under the framework of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), UCLG-MEWA participated in the UNEA-7 Cities and Regions Summit and the 21st Global Major Groups and Stakeholders Forum (GMGSF), held in Nairobi from December 5 to 7, 2025.
The events brought together local and regional governments, civil society, and key stakeholders to contribute to global environmental policymaking. UCLG-MEWA was represented by Dr. Reem Abusamra, International Relations Coordinator, and Mehmet Arda Yıldız, Research Assistant, who engaged in discussions emphasizing the vital role of cities and regions in addressing environmental challenges and ensuring that local priorities are reflected in international processes.
The Cities and Regions Summit opened on December 5 with high-level interventions from UNEP leadership and government representatives, focusing on multi-level governance and financing mechanisms to support local action. Discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative approaches to addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, and underscored the need for inclusive participation. Financing tools such as green bonds and blended finance were presented as means to mobilize resources for local and regional initiatives. The Summit Outcome Document was presented at UNEA-7 and contributed to deliberations related to local and regional government engagement.
The GMGSF, held on 6–7 December, provided a platform for civil society and major groups to coordinate positions ahead of UNEA-7. Key topics included civic space and public participation, governance of chemicals and pollution, the Global Environmental Outlook 7, and accountability in sustainability commitments. The Forum concluded with the adoption of the Joint Global Statement, conveying stakeholder perspectives to the UNEA-7 process.
In parallel, UCLG-MEWA representatives held bilateral meetings with partners from UN agencies, development banks, and civil society organizations to explore collaboration on sustainable infrastructure, migration, peacebuilding, and community-based advocacy, paving the way for future joint initiatives and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
UCLG-MEWA’s participation in UNEA-7 reinforced its role in connecting local and regional governments in the Middle East and West Asia with global environmental agendas, contributing to inclusive and evidence-based environmental governance.
