DSF at UNEA-7: showcasing dairy’s role on a resilient planet

This month, DSF’s Brian Lindsay represented the dairy sector at the 7th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, held under the theme Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet. Using DSF sustainability data and insights from Pathways to Dairy Net Zero, Brian demonstrated that voluntary private-sector commitments are already delivering measurable, real-world impact.

Brian was also actively involved as the business focal point on a resolution submitted by the Government of Kenya, 'Environmental Dimensions of Antimicrobial Resistance', where a final draft was agreed by parties at midnight on the penultimate day of the meeting. Linked to this, Brian was also able to represent the dairy sector in discussions with One Health Quadripartite (FAO, WOAH, UNEP and WHO) on their AMR work stream.

Key points shared:

• Industry has already achieved a great deal in this space
• Engagement with the sector is critical for any consideration/implementation design of change programs
• With data being cited as a weakness – collaborating with the private sector may be able to close some of the gaps.

Brian also joined a high-level breakfast roundtable hosted by the International Fertilizer Association (IFA), where leaders from UNEP, NGOs, science, business, and farming explored how soil health underpins economic stability, environmental resilience, and food security.

The discussion highlighted:

• Progress being made in soil and water stewardship
• The importance of strong partnerships
• Policy pathways to embed resilient practices in African and global food systems
• The need to align stewardship efforts with today’s political and economic realities

It was an optimistic and forward-looking session, reinforcing the critical role of collaboration in driving global environmental progress.
Read more about UNEA-7 and the outcomes from the session.