Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, has been elected president of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), the highest decision-making body on environmental matters within the United Nations system.
Samuda was elected on Friday during the seventh session of the Assembly, UNEA-7, currently underway in Nairobi, Kenya. The announcement was made by outgoing UNEA president Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, drawing applause from delegates representing all 193 UN member states.
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The United Nations Environment Assembly plays a central role in setting the global environmental agenda. It provides policy direction, reviews emerging environmental challenges, fosters international partnerships and guides the work of the United Nations Environment Programme.
In his acceptance remarks, Samuda underscored the urgency of collective action in addressing environmental threats, describing environmental stewardship as the defining challenge of the modern era.
He noted that decisions taken within the Assembly would shape economies, societies and the lives of future generations, emphasizing that environmental issues can no longer be treated as isolated concerns.
Samuda also highlighted the significance of his election for the Latin American and Caribbean region, pointing to the shared experiences of countries already facing the harsh realities of climate change.
He said the region’s voice represents communities on the front lines of climate impacts, communities that cannot afford delays or indifference in global decision-making.
As president, Samuda pledged to strengthen the link between science and policy, expand financing for climate adaptation and resilience, and accelerate the transition to sustainable production and consumption systems. He also committed to ensuring that no country is left behind in the global response to environmental challenges.
His election places Jamaica at the forefront of international environmental leadership at a critical moment for global climate and sustainability efforts.
