Corruption is not a victimless crime. It fuels conflicts, entrenches inequalities, and drains the resources needed to protect people and planet. Every dollar lost to economic crime is a dollar stolen from those striving for a better future.

In our rapidly evolving world, corruption is evolving, too. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to accelerate corruption, but also to help us detect and prevent it. But this requires regulation and accountability. It also requires us working together, across government, the private sector, and civil society.

The UN Convention against Corruption provides the framework for that cooperation. Its Review Mechanism has already helped countries identify gaps and advance reforms. Agreeing on its next phase is essential to ensuring this progress continues.

Greed over need harms us all. Let us reaffirm our resolve to fight impunity, restore trust and build a future where integrity prevails.

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Our planet is under strain like never before. Temperatures are rising. Biodiversity is collapsing. And nearly every person on Earth breathes unsafe air. Yet this Assembly offers hope.

With just five years left to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, UNEA (United Nations Environment Assembly)-7 is a moment to invest in resilience, commit to justice, and remember what we are fighting for.

Sustainability is the bedrock on which all our other ambitions rest. Peace, prosperity, equality — none of these exist without a planet to exist on.

As the Global Environment Outlook 7 reminds us: now is the time for courage and creativity. We must rapidly scale solutions on a range of challenges — from water management and climate resilience, to mining, metals and the environmental footprint of AI.

Africa — the birthplace of UNEA — is already leading the way. Here, young minds are inventing a sustainable future. Here, sun and wind promise a green revolution.

Here, critical minerals can power clean economies — if harnessed fairly and sustainably.

You meet in turbulent times. Conflict and inequality make meaningful progress for the environment more difficult. But with the tide turning in favor of renewables, and the help of the next generation, transformation is within reach.

As the United Nations enters its 81st year, your work here can remind the world of the power of multilateralism. The UN Water Conference and next year’s first Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdictions summit will offer further chances for action.

In the wake of the UN Climate Summit in Brazil, we must fulfill the promises made, and close the gaps that remain.

Friends, our duty is clear. We must transform broken systems, unite policy with science, and share solutions with all.

Let this be the Assembly that dared to set humanity on a path to protect our only home, for generations to come.

(United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ video messages to the 11th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the UN Convention Against Corruption in Doha, Qatar on 15 December 2025, and to the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya on 11 December 2025.)