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Newsletter 11 Aug 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 11 – 17 August 2025

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter includes the latest information on the global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies, as well as other useful resources and updates. Stay tuned and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | Opening plenary of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, at the Assembly Hall of Palais des Nations, on Tuesday, 5 August 2025.

Treaty to End Plastic Pollution | A Cadence Shift Needed

This week, all eyes continue to be on Geneva, where the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-5.2) is expected to conclude on 14 August 2025. Ministers and high-level representatives are joining the session from 12 August, while members of the committee are pressured by time and by the numerous calls to urgently advance the process.

During the first week:

  • Members have been working actively, tabling various proposals for all parts of the text, including on the language on human rights, a topic of primary relevance for Geneva as host of the Human Rights Council.
  • Article 31 (depositary) and Article 32 (authentic texts) were sent to the Open-ended Legal Drafting Group.
  • On 8 August 2025, the INC Secretariat released an Assembled text – UNEP/PP/INC.5/CRP.1 bringing into a single document the work of the contact groups.
  • The Chair concluded the second plenary, on 9 August, encouraging delegates, “As we forge ahead, let us remember we are here to deliver a shared goal. Our success will be the success of the entire world. Let’s continue to treat each other with kindness and respect to foster an environment of cooperation, mutual understanding, and a common purpose.”
  • UNEP Executive Director stated at the press conference of 9 August, “The window remains open to leave Geneva with this treaty. […] We need to see a cadence shift.”

→ Follow the negotiations on UN TV and through the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin daily coverage. Watch the latest INC press conference.

Find other daily updates on:

Various activities are taking place in the margins of this major conference, with Place des Nations and the artwork of Benjamin Von Wong – the Thinker’s Burden – serving as an important meeting point. The artist has produced a video retracing the building and first days of the artwork. → For an outlook of activities organized in the margins of the Conference, consult the INC-5.2 Offsite Buzz dedicated page.

  • Events organized by the Host Country include:
    • Reception for Ministers and High-level Representatives | 13 August 2025, 18:30 CEST
  • Events taking place this week in the margins of INC-5.2 include:

Press releases issued in the past days include:

Other recent positions and news on INC-5.2 include:

Additional news on plastics includes:

Preparations for the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council

Preparations are in full progress as the 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC60), taking place at Palais des Nations from 8 September – 8 October 2025, fast approaches. In light of ongoing preparations for HRC60, various dates are worth noting:

  • NGO Side Events | NGOs in consultative status with ECOSOC may submit requests for side events through the online registration platform. Registration of requests for side events for NGOs in HRC60 will open from 11 August, 12:00 CEST until 18 August, 12:00 CEST, through the online registration platform.
  • NGO Written Statements | Registration for NGO Written Statements will be as follows:
    • Other debates under Agenda Items 2, 3 and 4 (excluding General Debates) | 4 August, 12:00 CEST, until 11 August, 12:00 CEST
    • Other debates under Agenda Items 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 (excluding General Debates) | 11 August, 12:00 CEST, until 18 August, 12:00 CEST

  • HRC60 Info Session | The Geneva Environment Network and its partners are convening an information-sharing session on activities and events related to the environment to develop more synergies among stakeholders and a better outreach. This event will discuss and share information on planned environment-related activities at and around HRC60, such as in-person and online events, publications or exhibitions, among others, and exchange on possible synergies. They will feed the GEN page on HRC60 which will provide an updated calendar of these environment-related events. → Register to participate in-person at the International Environment House I or online via Webex on 21 August 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 CEST. Share as well information on your activity!

Four Steps Away from Entry into Force | Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Over the past few months, renewed efforts have brought the entry into force of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies ever closer. With key moments reflecting on the importance of protecting the ocean, achieving SDG14 and more, such as the 2025 WTO Trade and Environment Week, the UN Ocean Conference, the 2025 High-Level Political Forum, and more, momentum has been building. With the recent ratifications of Sri Lanka, Argentina, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Ghana, only four more ratifications are needed for its entry into force. These advancements work favorably to reinforce “the need for enhanced international collaboration to achieve sustainable fisheries management practices and to rebuild fish stocks for a food-secure future,” as underscored in the recently published WTO Annual Report.

It is also to be noted that the WTO Fish Fund opened a Call for Proposals on 6 June, inviting developing and least-developed country (LDC) members that have ratified the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. Proposals must be submitted through the portal by 9 October 2025. However, if the Agreement enters into force before this date, the deadline will be extended by one month. The Steering Committee of the Fish Fund will review and evaluate all submissions.

Just over a month ago, one of the most long vocal figures on the issues related to harmful fisheries – environmental campaigner Rémi Parmentier – passed away. He led various campaigns to raise awareness and build momentum towards concrete action to protect the ocean, leaving behind a legacy of courage, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to the protection of our planet.

Other recent news on fisheries subsidies include:

Extreme Heat Breaking Records Worldwide

Extreme heat is breaking records around the world, with wildfires and poor air quality compounding the crisis, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released on 7 August 2025. July 2025 was the third-warmest July globally (after July 2023 and 2024), with the average sea-surface temperature also the third highest on record. With extreme heat impacting millions of people around the world, WMO is underlining the importance of heat early warning systems in line with the Early Warnings for All initiative and are working with partners at international, national and community level to strengthen heat-health action plans.

In the past and upcoming weeks, many countries in the European continent have been and will be facing heatwaves, with unprecedented heat records registered in notoriously cold Nordic countries. In view of the hot weather forecast for the next few days, and following the warning issued by the Cantonal Medical Service, the City of Geneva’s Heatwave Plan was activated on Friday, 8 August 2025. Recent research published in the journal Nature Sustainability finds that Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Norway (traditionally unprepared for heat) will suffer the largest relative cooling demand surges. Immediate and unprecedented adaptation interventions are required worldwide to be prepared for a hotter world.

→ Learn more on the World Health Organization’s website on health-related effects of heatwaves and suggestions on how to remain safe & find more suggestions on how to stay safe and cool during the heatwave in our Green Summer in Geneva dedicated section.

Call for Submissions | Upcoming Deadlines

With the environment high on the agenda of International Geneva and beyond, different international processes, negotiations, and fora regularly call for inputs in preparation for future reports and guidelines. → Find here calls for submissions related to the environment and here calls for submissions from Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies and instruments.

  • Fifth Advisory Board meeting of the Santiago network (2-4 September 2025, Geneva) | The Santiago network board meeting has prepared a registration form for observers, including: interested representatives of Parties and observer States to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement; interested representatives of United Nations and related organizations and specialized agencies and intergovernmental organizations; and interested representatives of admitted NGOs. Additionally, representatives of approved members of the Santiago network as well as national liaisons to the Santiago network Secretariat are invited to register as observers via this form. Owing to space limitations, access may be limited for in-person participation and attendance will be subject to confirmation. There will also be hybrid arrangements for participation in the meeting. The deadline for registering as an observer (both in-person and virtual) is Wednesday, 13 August 2025.
  • Call for Proposal – 1 Million Youth Actions Challenge | Are you between the ages of 18 to 35 years old? Would you like to implement a project that will contribute to a more sustainable future? Do you have a brilliant idea that could help your community tackle water and climate-related challenges? 1MYAC is looking for projects that address one (or more) of the four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targeted by 1MYAC: Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), Life on Land (SDG 15). This year a special focus will be towards projects related to Disaster Risk Reduction and fight against Plastic Pollution. Submit your project and get a chance to receive up to $ 5000 CAD in funding. Find more information and submit your project by 15 August 2025.
  • WTO Public Forum 2025 | The 2025 Public Forum, taking place on 17 and 18 September 2025, will explore how digital advancements are redefining standards within the international trading system and enhancing global connectivity, innovation, and cooperation. The deadline for registration is 22 August 2025.
  • Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues | Earthjustice and the Center for International Environmental Law are co-organizing a training course that will introduce participants to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms. They will also explore the key issues pertaining to human rights and the environment. The course takes place from 1 to 8 September 2025. The deadline for application is 27 August 2025.
  • Protecting Human Rights and the Environment | The course – co-organized with Earthjustice and the Center for International Environmental Law – will draw on experts from major UN bodies in Geneva and elsewhere, as well as experts from academia, government, business and civil society. Participants will examine the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights and the environment, familiarizing themselves with the respective implementation and enforcement mechanisms. The course takes place from 15 to 19 September 2025. The deadline for application is 27 August 2025.
  • World Resources Forum Application for Participants | The WRF 2025 will take place on 2 and 3 September in Geneva and 4 and 5 September, online. WRF25 convenes global leaders from policy, industry, science and civil society to assess and refine strategies for resource governance and management. The registrations for both in-person and online participation will close on 31 August 2025.

Enjoying a Green Summer in Geneva

With temperatures rising this week, Geneva offers various opportunities to enjoy the free time and discover the city and its nature through open-air festivals and lakeside activities to exhibitions, workshops, and nature walks. Whether you’re looking to cool off in green spaces, dive into sustainability, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature in full bloom, find your inspiration for a vibrant Green Summer in Geneva. Suggestions for this week include:

  • Eveils du Léman | 11 August 2025 | ASL
    Pause by the calm waters of Lake Geneva and explore its rich biodiversity. From birdwatching on the shore to snorkeling among aquatic plants, mollusks, and fish, this outing offers a peaceful dive into the lake’s living wonders.
  • Le dessin pour mieux observer le Léman | 14 August 2025 | Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman
    An artistic proposal, this activity combines inspiration and observational drawing. After taking in the surroundings and understanding the interactions between the various species, participants will transcribe what they have seen into drawings, allowing them to better understand the details of lake life or to convey their personal vision of the atmosphere they felt at the water’s edge
  • Ciné Transat | Until 17 August 2025 | Perle du Lac
    Come and experience the magic of cinema under the stars! Settle into a cozy deckchair and enjoy a selection of classic and iconic films in the beautiful lakeside setting of Perle du Lac.
  • Golf urbain | Until 18 August 2025 | Parc des Bastions
    Grab a club and hit the greens, right in the heart of Geneva. Urban golf invites players of all ages to enjoy a playful six-hole course winding through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. 
  • Concerts Scène Ella Fitzgerald | Until 22 August 2025 | Parc La Grange
    From June 20 to August 22, 2025, the Scène Ella Fitzgerald transforms Geneva’s Parc La Grange into a vibrant open-air music venue. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 PM, audiences can enjoy free live concerts in a breathtaking park setting. 
  • Atelier Nature : une montagne de biodiversité | Until 28 August 2025 | Megève
    Château des Rubins animators offer 8 workshops with an original approach to mountain biodiversity, to question our relationship with Nature and reflect on the future of mountain societies. Thanks to fun and amusing experiments, and the learning of ancient know-how, set off in the footsteps of mountain diversity.
  • Climate Fiction, un récit sur la collection du Fonds cantonal d’art contemporain | Until 31 August 2025 | Musée de Carouge
    Through a bold curatorial lens, this exhibition dives into the environmental crises of our time by uncovering their roots in social, economic, and geopolitical inequalities.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Poaching of African rhinos down – but drought and other threats drive losses globally | IUCN | 7 August 2025
    Poaching of African rhinos has decreased since 2021, but the gains have been offset by other threats such as drought and policy shifts, posing a challenge to future growth, a report from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and TRAFFIC finds.
  • NOW AVAILABLE: The Cambridge Handbook on Climate Litigation | IUCN | 5 August 2025
    The new project from the IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law’s Climate Change Law Specialist Group represents a comprehensive resource for climate change litigation.
  • UNCCD leadership handover: Ibrahim Thiaw passes the baton to Yasmine Fouad | UNCCD | 5 August 2025
    The UNCCD today marks a historic leadership transition as outgoing Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw hands over responsibilities to Yasmine Fouad, former Minister of Environment of Egypt, at the Convention’s secretariat headquarters in Bonn. A Mauritanian national, Thiaw led the UNCCD secretariat since 2019, having served the environment movement for more than 40 years, the last twelve with the United Nations. 
  • Toxicity: The Invisible Tsunami | Deep Science Ventures | August 2025
    The report attempts to analyse the broader collective problem and solution spaces of chemical toxicity answering the questions: how and why are toxic chemicals produced, how do they get into our bodies and the environment, and how do they affect the health of humans and other organisms? It highlights critical industry, regulatory gaps and, most importantly, identify key areas for innovation and urgent funding that can put us on the right path to increase our understanding and make positive changes where it’s most needed.

Events

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Workshop

One Health and CO2 Mitigation

15 Aug 2025 | 14:00 – 17:00

Parc mon Repos

2050Today, Health Diplomacy Alliance

Air Pollution | Climate | Health and Environment | Nature

SDG3 | SDG11 | SDG15

Jobs

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UNEP

Professional

Programme Management Officer | P3

14 Aug 2025

UNEP Chemicals and Health Branch

Chemicals and Pollution | Health and Environment | Trade and Environment

SDG3 | SDG12

Professional

ESG Officer

15 Aug 2025

Catalytic Finance Foundation

Climate | Nature | Health and Environment

SDG13 | SDG15

Learning

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Updates

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