Maurice Strong's Vision: UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi | UNEA-6 Reflections

In the wake of the opening of the 6th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) on February 26, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya, it's not surprising for many who arise the question: Why is the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) located in Nairobi, Africa? Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), reminds us to reflect on the significant contributions of a remarkable individual – Maurice Strong.

In the '70s, many countries didn't agree on the importance of environmental rules, especially poorer nations. Maurice Strong, a Canadian diplomat, played a big part in convincing these nations that caring for the environment was crucial. Professor Adebayo Adedeji from Nigeria said, "Thanks to his sincere efforts, Mr. Strong showed us that no matter where we are in development, we all have a big stake in this."

After creating groups like the International Labour Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the World Health Organization, the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, or the Stockholm Conference, happened. They talked about pollution, marine life, protecting resources, climate change, and natural disasters. The result was the Stockholm Declaration and the start of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP, started by UN General Assembly Resolution 2997, picked Nairobi, Kenya, as its main office with a five-year budget of over $100 million.

The choice of Nairobi sparked controversy, with developed countries favoring Geneva and developing countries, led by Strong's insistence, preferring Nairobi. Initially, Mexico City, New Delhi, and Cairo also vied for headquarters status but withdrew to support Nairobi. Many developing countries were not particularly supportive of creating a new formal institution for environmental governance but backed its establishment as an act of Southern solidarity.

Behind these negotiations and perseverances stands the unwavering effort of Maurice Strong. He insisted on Nairobi, initially selecting the location after residing there for some time and understanding the area. His determination rallied numerous forces, overcoming challenges and eventually launching this endeavor.

On February 26, 2024, Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta inaugurated UNEP's headquarters in Nairobi, marking the first time an international organization was based in the Global South. This historic decision played a crucial role in Africa winning the bid against Sweden, other European countries, and India.

Today, as we witness the opening of UNEA-6, it is worth acknowledging Maurice Strong's immense contribution to the decision of locating the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi. Through his leadership and advocacy, he successfully persuaded developing nations to recognize the urgency of environmental issues, laying the foundation for UNEP's establishment. His efforts turned Nairobi into a global hub for environmental conservation, showcasing the power of Southern solidarity.

Compiled by Wendy

Reviewed by Jinfeng

Editor:YJ

[References]

https://www.unep.org/unep-50-leaders-through-years/maurice-strong

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Environment_Programme


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