Minister of State for Environmental Affairs, Agricultural Development and Hungaricums Zsolt V. Németh represented Hungary at the high-level phase of the 2nd United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA2) in Nairobi on 26-27 May 2016.

In view of its role within the UN, the UNEA2 may be regarded as a milestone with regard to the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) and in the realisation process of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) determined within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development framework system adopted in 2015.

Environment Ministers and other officials from the UN’s member states, groups representing a wide range of those affected, leading officials and experts from the United Nations and other relevant organisations, development policy institutions and representatives from the scientific, business and non-governmental sectors all took part in the Assembly. The two main topics of the Assembly’s high-level phase were the realisation of the environmental dimension of the 2030 Agenda and the interrelationships between environment and health, the motto of which is “Healthy Environment, Healthy People”.

The Assembly adopted over twenty resolutions, including with relation to the illegal trade in wild plant and animal species, sustainable production and consumption, food waste, environmental education and awareness, chemicals and waste, and protecting the biological diversity of the seas and oceans. The UN Environmental Programme’s mid-term strategy and two-year work programme were also adopted at the event.

In his speech during the Assembly’s section on environment and health, Mr. Németh praised the global report presented on the subject. He drew attention to the applicability of the UN ECE Water and Health Protocol and to the second World Water Summit to be held in Budapest in November of this year, as well as highlighting the significance of the effects of air quality on health. The Minister of State also indicated Hungary’s continued commitment to improving the country’s air quality through various means including the national programme to reduce levels of dust (PM 10 particles) and realised measures aimed at increasing public awareness such as the “Smoke Sensibly” campaign. He also spoke about the cross-border effects of ait pollution and the importance of related international cooperation, and stressed Hungary’s commitment to fulfilling the related international requirements.

During his meeting with the Kenyan Environment Minister, Mr. Németh commended Kenya’s firm and consistent stance against trade in wild animals, referring also to Kenya’s successful operation at the end of April 2016 during the course of which it incinerated 1.35 tonnes of rhinoceros horn, thus indicating that they are only valuable if worn by the animals.  The Minister of State also informed the Kenyan Environment Minister that Hungary is consistently conforming to the requirements of the CITES treaty: 700 Hermann’s tortoises were recently shipped back to their original habitat. The return of 70 smuggled African Grey parrots from Bulgaria to their native habitat is also under organisation.

A Hungarian wine tasting and Hungaricum exhibition organised by Hungary’s Permanent Representations in Nairobi and the Ministry of Agriculture was also timed to coincide with the Minister of State’s visit to Kenya, which was opened by Mr. Németh and Ambassador László Máthé and attracted great interest. Hungary’s system for protecting and promoting unique Hungarian foods, drinks and traditions, so-called “Hungaricums”, was presented to business people and diplomats, showcasing the highest quality Hungarian foods, craft products and tourist destinations.

(Ministry of Agriculture)