The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly has adopted a historic resolution declaring access to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, a universal human right.

The resolution received 161 votes in favour, to none against, with eight abstentions.

Pakistan voted in favour of the resolution, saying while it supports the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

In explaining his vote, Pakistan's Ambassador Munir Akram said any new human right could only be legally recognized through negotiating a convention at relevant inter-governmental forums on climate change and the environment.

The resolution calls on States, international organizations, and business enterprises to scale up efforts to ensure a healthy environment for all.  

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council has also unanimously adopted Resolution 2646 to extend the mandate of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus until 31st January 2023. 

In the resolution, the council urged all parties involved to respect UN mandated authority in - and delineation of - the buffer zone. It renewed its call on both sides to respect the integrity of the buffer zone, remove all unauthorized constructions and prevent unauthorized military or civilian activities within and along the ceasefire lines.