There is no challenge we are unable to face provided we work together for the environment, UN Environment Head Erik Solheim has underlined in an upbeat message delivered to policymakers in Brussels.

Despite problems being large and varied, a multitude of positive solutions for the environment have been found by Costa Rica – which doubled tree cover from 25% to 50% of the country for example - China, India, Uruguay and others that can inspire us all, he underlined.

The Executive Director was speaking at the European Commissions’ High-Level Policy Summit titled ‘Europe's Response to Sustainability Challenges – Delivering the 2030 Agenda,’ hosted by The European Political Strategy Centre.

On finance, stock exchanges and markets could be regulated to drive capital into the transition to a Green Economy, Mr Solheim underlined. UN Environment’s Inquiry into the development of sustainable financing was praised during the discussion by Steve Waygood, Chief Responsible Investment Officer at AVIVA Investments. The Inquiry is the only UN initiative exploring and developing concrete action on this key issue, he noted.

The event was organised as a follow-up to an EU Executive Communication showing how its 10 political priorities are contributing to achieving the Global Goals.

Pollution and human health, environment, conflict and migration, green finance and economy, wildlife protection and biodiversity, and oceans are meanwhile the five overarching key priorities for UN Environment, said Mr Solheim.

To view a recording of Mr Solheim’s speech as well as the full conference click here.

For more details write to alexa.froger@unep.org