PROGRAMME
11:00 – 13:00 (East Africa Time)
Launch of the first SPBF Youth Track
Children and Youth are advocates for future generations. As the issues we are addressing during the forum will affect future generations, the contributions of the Children and Youth Major Group are indispensable for the UN-SPBF. This session will promote intergenerational dialogue and solidarity by recognizing the views of young people on the issues covered by the forum.
13:00 – 15:00 (East Africa Time)
Managing Risk: Pollution Prevention and Management – Addressing E-waste through Tracking, Traceability and Circular Approach
Around 20 to 50 million metric tonnes of e-waste are generated worldwide every year, comprising more than 5% of all municipal solid waste, which releases to the environment hazardous substances as well as materials of strategic value, such as indium and palladium, and precious metals such as gold, copper and silver.
15:30 – 16:00 (East Africa Time)
Official Opening
Opening statement and ambition setting.
Speakers: Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, and H.E. Sveinung Rotevatn, Norway Minister of Climate and the Environment
16:00 – 21:00 (East Africa Time)
Big Data and Frontier Tech: Powering the Transition to a Sustainable Future
For 68 per cent of the environment-related SDG indicators there is not enough data to assess progress. To achieve the environmental dimension of the SDGs, it is essential to scale up environmental action that is backed by adequate knowledge. A task that is only achievable through the deployment of the latest technologies, including earth observations, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and the Internet of Things.
13:00 – 14:30 (East Africa Time)
Marine Litter and Microplastics Mitigation and Prevention
Significantly reducing marine pollution by 2025, as envisaged by the Sustainable Development Goals, requires focused, accelerated action by multiple actors and sectors. To tackle plastics, the largest, most harmful and persistent fraction of marine litter, immediate action is needed.
15:00 – 18:00 (East Africa Time)
Rethinking Cities: Bringing Nature to the Urban Environment
A transition towards low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially just cities is crucial to advance towards the 2030 Sustainable Development and New Urban agendas. Cities that become more resource-efficient in transport, commercial buildings, and building heating/ cooling could achieve reductions of between 36 to 54 percent in energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, metals, land and water use, according to the International Resources Panel.
13:00 – 16:00 (East Africa Time)
Nature-positive Food Systems for a Healthy Planet and Healthy People
The rebuilding of economies after the COVID-19 crisis offers a unique opportunity to transform the global food system and make it resilient to future shocks, while ensuring environmentally sustainable and healthy nutrition for all. As agricultural systems form the foundation of our food systems, it is imperative that they are redesigned to restore and regenerate, rather than degrade ecosystems — all while providing affordable and healthy diets for a global population estimated to reach 10 billion by 2050.
17:00 – 19:00 (East Africa Time)
Closing Session: Making peace with nature: The defining task of the 21st century.
Multilateralism: Science, Policy, Innovation, Action!
This session will examine how different sectors can work together to harness new technologies and scientific advances to solve global issues affecting our planet.
