The fourth session of the UN Environment Assembly will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, March 11-15, 2019. Marcia S. Bernicat, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) at the Department of State, will serve as the U.S. head of delegation. The U.S. delegation will also include officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Agriculture, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The U.S. delegation will promote U.S. innovation and leadership in addressing the themes of UNEA-4: innovative solutions for environmental challenges and sustainable consumption and production. While in Nairobi, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bernicat will deliver the U.S. National Statement; participate in the Women Ministers and Leaders of Environment Breakfast and the High Ambition Alliance on Chemicals and Waste; attend the Sustainable Innovation Expo; and open an EPA event on Innovative Approaches to Food Waste. She will meet with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director, the current UNEA President, and hold bilateral meetings with counterparts. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bernicat will also host roundtables with U.S. businesses and NGOs.

For further information or press inquiries, please contact OES-PA-DG@state.gov.