Thank you, Madam Chair.

On behalf of the United States, I would like to extend our thanks to the facilitator for the successful shepherding of this resolution. We are pleased to join consensus on this resolution.

The United States strongly supports the critical work being done by the UN Environment Program to address global environmental priorities. The Fifth UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 5) achieved notable successes in advancing global efforts to fight climate change, combat pollution, address biodiversity loss, and enhance sustainable development through increased circularity. 

UNEA 5 set the course for important work to advance sustainable development for the next several decades. The flagship outcome was monumental: the resolution to launch international negotiations on a global agreement on plastic pollution, with formal proceedings kicking off later this month.

Regarding references to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, we refer you to our General Statement delivered November 21.

Thank you.

Original source can be found here.