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Newsletter 13 Oct 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 13 – 19 October 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. The Geneva Environment Network is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained in a linked site. 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 of the event “Geneva Launch: Green Technology Book EXPO25 Special Edition | Advancing Climate Action Ten Years After the Paris Agreement“, organized as part of the series marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement in Geneva. Designed for those interested in new available climate technologies, the special EXPO25 Edition showcases more than 200 innovative technologies. It highlights practical and scalable solutions with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region. The next edition of the Green Technology Book – WIPO’s flagship publication under WIPO GREEN – will be launched at COP30 in Brazil, and will focus on climate disaster response technologies. © WIPO, Emmanuel Berrod, WIPO Headquarters, 10 October 2025

Democracy and Climate Change | Rights-Based Action at the UN Forum & Global Ethical Stocktake

The United Nations Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law is holding its fifth session on 13 and 14 October 2025 at Palais des Nations, Room Tempus, under the theme “Democracy and climate change: focusing on solutions”. The Forum provides a platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation and for identifying and analyzing best practices, challenges and opportunities for States in their efforts to secure respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Chaired by H.E. Amb. Ioannis Ghikas, Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN Office and other International Organizations in Geneva, the two-day event will feature meetings, panel discussions and side events, with each focusing on a different topic, and involving numerous leading experts. → In-person participation is open to those registered to the Forum. Follow the Forum live on UN Web TV.

The Global Ethical Stocktake | Human Rights, Democracy and Climate Change, organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, with the support of the Geneva Environment Network, is bringing together a diverse range of voices in Geneva to provide ethical reflections ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Belém (COP30). Launched by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the Global Ethical Stocktake (GES) – Balanço Ético Global (BEG) in Portuguese – proposes a global and ethical dialogue on the climate crisis, bringing together social, cultural, spiritual, business, scientific, and political leaders through six intercontinental dialogues, as well as independent, society-led events. The Global Ethical Stocktake Circle aims to deliver a set of civil society contributions to COP30 to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement and limit the increase in the planet’s average temperature to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. The outcome of the Geneva event, facilitated by the UN Special Rapporteur Elisa Morgera, will be transmitted to the COP30 Presidency. → Learn more and join the event taking place on 14 October 2025 from 13:15 to 14:45 CEST in Palais des Nations, Room XI. In-person participation is open to UN-badge holders.

Other side events of the forum include:

Awarenearth – a non-profit organization shifting our mindsets on existential threats, bringing art, science, and diplomacy together to build resilience and reduce anxiety across generations – is actively engaged in the Forum. Three artists are joining the 2-day Forum and will also be on Place des Nations on 13 and 14 October, from 11:00-13:00 CEST, to collect emotions about our collective response to interconnected crisis such as climate change:

  • Katia De Conti who has illustrated the globe representing democracy, human rights and rule of law across a fragmented planet impacted by the climate and geopolitical crisis will share her way to look at the topic from her artistic perspective.
  • Clément Covizzi will perform a live creation of a planet using the Japanese RAKU technique inside and outside the Palais des Nations. Join to see his fantastic and inspiring technique and the beauty of his art.
  • Quentin Buggia, a Swiss videographer with a passion for nature and video creation will create a short documentary of this unique moment in the international city of Geneva at the crossroads of art, science and diplomacy. 

Countdown to Minamata Convention COP-6 | Online Preparatory Events

The sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6) will take place in Geneva from 3 to 7 November 2025, under the presidency of Osvaldo Álvarez of Chile. As part of the preparations for the meeting, online events are taking place this week. Minamata COP-6 online events provide an informal platform for Parties and observers to share information and highlight advances in technology, research and policy for the attention of Parties and the global community that the Convention serves. → Find the full schedule of the events on the Minamata Convention on Mercury website

The Geneva Environment Network is supporting various partners and will be hosting three of the 22 Minamata COP-6 Online Events on its platform:

  • Strengthening the Minamata Convention: A New Approach to the Global Mercury Trade and Use in ASGM | IPEN | 14 October 2025 | 16:30 – 17:30 CEST 
    Preliminary data from the Minamata Convention’s Effectiveness Evaluation reveals that mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has not declined—and may be rising—since the Treaty’s adoption. Driven by surging gold prices and weak global trade controls, mercury continues to fuel illicit mining, royalty evasion, and in some cases, organized crime. This event features the UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights presenting recommendations for Convention amendments based on his investigation and his groundbreaking 2022 report (A/HRC/51/35). IPEN will release its most recent findings from biomonitoring with Indigenous communities in ASGM regions in Peru and Nicaragua. Delegates will discuss their experiences and challenges in controlling the flow of mercury into ASGM in their countries. → Register to attend on Webex
  • From Science to Action: Insights from the Minamata Convention and Emerging Priorities | ISP-CWP | 16 October 2025 | 11:00 – 12:00 CEST
    Established in June 2025, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) aims to drive evidence-based solutions to chemicals, waste and pollution challenges. This side event explores how the Minamata Convention has effectively bridged science and policy—offering relevant examples for ISP-CWP and opportunities for cooperation between the two. Policymakers, scientists, and stakeholders will explore Minamata’s approaches and discuss emerging priorities—especially around metals, metalloids, and minerals.→ Register to attend on Webex
  • The Impacts of Mercury Exposure on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Ways to Address Them | Special Procedures of the UN HRC, OHCHR | 16 October 2025 | 13:00 – 14:00 CEST
    Mercury poses serious health and environmental risks, with Indigenous Peoples—especially those in voluntary isolation—disproportionately affected due to their close ties to nature. Its impacts are widespread and intergenerational. At COP-5, Parties to the Minamata Convention adopted a decision, encouraging Parties to engage and work together with Indigenous Peoples, as well as local communities, in decision-making processes and with regard to their needs and priorities in relation to the use of mercury in ASGM. This panel, featuring the UN Special Rapporteur and Indigenous voices, will explore human rights impacts and ways to strengthen Indigenous participation in the Convention’s implementation. → Register to attend on Webex

→ Learn more about preparations for Minamata COP-6 and the online events organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network through our dedicated page

Outcomes of the 60th Session of the Human Rights Council

The 60th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC60) concluded in Geneva on 8 October 2025. Key moments that took place in and around HRC60 that advanced linkages between protecting the environment and promoting human rights include:

  • Various environment-related resolutions have been passed by the Council, including rising sea levels and human rights, the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation, the rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the extension of the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos Orellana, presented his last report to the Council on “Guidelines on access to justice and effective remedies in the context of toxics” (A/HRC/60/34), wherein he puts forward a set of 24 guidelines for overcoming obstacles to access to justice and effective remedies in the context of toxics. The side event on his report highlighted the large gap that exists between the laws and the reality that victims and their families suffer. Though the “gravity of the toxification of the planet” may not be overcome one case at a time, the event underscored the importance of ensuring accountability as a tool against entrenched impunity in toxic injustices.
  • The 2025 edition of the Geneva Toxic Free Talks highlighted not only the challenges of ensuring justice in toxic cases, but concrete steps in advancing a toxic-free future while ensuring meaningful impact on the ground.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur on water and sanitation, Pedro Arrojo Agudo, presented his report to the Council on the water-energy nexus (A/HRC/60/30), wherein he underscores that the double-just transition of water and energy systems must focus on human rights, protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure participatory governance. With billions of people lacking access to safe drinking water and electricity, the UN Special Rapporteur insists during the interactive dialogue that guaranteeing the right to water requires less than 5% of the water extracted for energy demands. He argues for the recognition of the human right to energy will provide a normative basis for moving towards alternative modes of energy governance. In the side event reflecting on the report, co-organized with Germany and Spain, the Special Rapporteur cited the example of mega data centres that only increase the stress on water demand, and calls for a moratorium as it directly affects the community where they are located.
  • Placed against the backdrop of the landmark ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change, the synthesis report of the UN Secretary-General on opportunities, best practices, actionable solutions, challenges and barriers relevant to just transition and the full realization of human rights for all people (A/HRC/60/52) was presented to the Council during an interactive dialogue. Just transition is defined as “a transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all that is fair, equitable and inclusive, creates decent work opportunities, reduces inequalities and poverty, and enhances and upholds all human rights, including the right to development and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.” In the face of key barriers to just transition, the report underscores that action is needed on multiple fronts, including transitioning away from fossil fuels, putting an end to corporate impunity, and reversing the shrinking of civic space. With 18 million new jobs created in the implementation of the Paris Agreement by 2030, the report calls for ensuring these are decent jobs, and transforming economic models beyond GDP. Reflecting on the Secretary-General’s report, an HRC60 side event underscored that the Just Transition Work Programme must not only outline what we are transitioning to, but also how these commitments will be translated into concrete action.
  • Just transition also featured prominently at the half-day panel discussion on the rights of Indigenous Peoples at HRC60, which focused on the rights of Indigenous Peoples in the context of sustainable energy systems & critical minerals. Panelists underscored that with more than half of critical minerals located on or near Indigenous territories, Indigenous Peoples must be at the heart of decision-making. They also underscored that, as human rights must be at the core of all mineral value chains, “critical inputs for the clean energy transition for a fair, sustainable future can only be extracted equitably, and not at the expense of Indigenous Peoples.” Three key areas of actions and opportunities are available to ensure a rights-based just transition for Indigenous Peoples: that rights must come before resources, that Indigenous knowledge must be integrated, and that partnerships point the way forward.
  • Various side and parallel events that tackled climate change and human rights were also present throughout the Council session:
    • In the lead-up to COP30 in Brazil, a dialogue put the spotlight on the “strong call from the Global South” for climate justice, ecological conversion and radical economic transformation, in light of the Global Ethical Stocktake being undertaken.
    • A side event underscored the importance of implementing the landmark climate advisory opinions by various international bodies, including that of the ICJ, which all emphasized the States’ obligations to protect human rights, notably the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, in the context of climate change. In line with the ICJ’s ruling, other side events also emphasized States’ duty regulate corporations in the face of triple planetary crisis, as well as the human rights impacts caused by investor-state dispute mechanisms (ISDS), particularly in the context of challenges States face in taking climate action.
    • Environmental human rights defenders were also tackled in various events in the course of the Council. In a parallel event, the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances launched its latest report, which highlighted the alarming global trend of enforced disappearances targeting individuals defending land, natural resources, and the environment.

→ Consult key environment-related moments and issues tackled at HRC60, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC60 and the environment update.

Read more on HRC60 in the summary produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media → Human Rights Council Concludes Sixtieth Regular Session after Adopting 35 Resolutions, One Decision and One President’s Statement | 8 October 2025

Environment @ Geneva Peace Week 2025

The 12th edition of Geneva Peace Week — the annual forum providing a dedicated space for organizations in Geneva and their international partners to come together to share knowledge, expertise and practice on a diverse range of topics relating to the promotion of peace across contexts and disciplines — takes place this week under the theme “Peace in Action“. Amid unprecedented financial and geopolitical crises straining the multilateral system, Geneva Peace Week 2025 takes a forward-looking approach to peacebuilding, addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities of our time. As humanity grapples with complex and interconnected crises, from the climate emergency, funding shortfalls and technological disruption to rising geopolitical tensions, growing securitization and widening inequalities, the pursuit of peace demands fresh perspectives, bold solutions, and transformative action. → Read the press release

Among the over 100 events featured in the programme, events addressing environmental issues include:

E-Waste Day | Recycle Your E-Waste – It’s Critical!

International E-Waste Day is a yearly awareness-raising celebration held on 14 October, aiming at alerting about the growing issue of electronic waste, promoting responsible e-waste management and the necessary actions to enhance circularity for e-products. As the demand for smartphones, electric vehicles, solar panels, and other technology continues to surge, so does the need for the materials that make them work, this year, International E-Waste Day will spotlight Critical Raw Materials (CRMs), the elements that are mined in only a handful of countries and that are crucial to foster the green and digital transition. While the global attention and interest in critical raw materials is at its peak, the celebration aims to bring attention to their potential to be recovered from unused or broken electronic products.
→ Register to receive communications material to support your own campaigns.
→ Find more on the Growing Environmental Risks of E-Waste and the role of Geneva in addressing the challenges

To mark the importance of accelerating knowledge and action on e-waste, the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, EIT RawMaterials, the University of Leuven, the World Health Organization, the International Telecommunication Union and the World Resources Forum launched the third edition of the E-waste Challenge Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and are hosting a series of online live lectures. This week, to celebrate IEWD, two E-waste Challenge MOOC live events will take place:

Happening Abroad

Upcoming Deadlines | Call for Submissions, Contests, Registrations

With the environment high on the agenda of International Geneva and beyond, international processes, negotiations, and fora regularly call for inputs in preparation for future reports and guidelines or for people to support their process. A dedicated update lists calls for submissions related to the environment. Additional updates also list those related to Human Rights Mechanisms and ongoing contests launched by our partners. Deadlines not to be missed during the coming weeks include:

  • Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment Report on Protecting Clean Air Call for Submissions | The report aims to advance the protection of clean air, as a vital element of the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, by deeply analyzing the impacts of air pollution on public health, with particular attention to the disproportionate impacts on marginalized groups and populations including children, women, pregnant people, older persons and people in situation of poverty. It will also identify priority measures to incorporate a human rights-based perspective, including the human right to health and to a healthy environment, in environmental and climate protective actions, towards better air quality. The report aims to present concluding evidence on how air pollution is a serious risk to public health and is already harming human rights, including the right to a healthy environment, with disproportionate impacts on marginalized individuals, groups and communities. Building on international law, court decisions, and best practices, the Special Rapporteur will provide actionable recommendations to strengthen accountability and ensure the protection and fulfilment of the human right to clean, healthy and sustainable environment, focusing on clean air. The report will also consider the challenges, obligations and public health measures in connection with climate and environmental actions, underlining the need for integrated approaches that protect human rights, health and the environment. The deadline for submission is 16 October 2025.
  • Call for Applications: Chapter Scientists to support the IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) | The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is in the process of preparing its Seventh Assessment Report (AR7). The IPCC Working Groups are seeking highly motivated early-career researchers from developing countries and countries in transition to apply as Chapter Scientists to support author teams for the AR7. IPCC is looking for applicants with an advanced university degree related to climate change, its physical science basis, impacts, adaptation, vulnerability, mitigation. Applicants must also be citizens of a developing country or economies in transition at the time of application. We highly encourage researchers and citizens of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to apply. The deadline for applications is 18 October 2025.
  • The Legal Protection of Water in Armed Conflicts | 3 November – 19 December 2025 | UNIGE & Geneva Water Hub | Registration deadline: 20 October 2025
    This course will illustrate how to define the key principles and norms of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) related to the protection of water in armed conflicts and understand how human rights law and mechanisms may complement the protection of water under IHL.

What’s Next for the Geneva Environment Network

In the coming weeks, the Geneva Environment Network Secretariat will organize additional briefings and continue supporting its partners in advancing environmental dialogue, collaboration, and action on key global issues—both in the lead-up to and during major negotiations. Confirmed events:

Additional activities are underway in preparation for the 7th Session of the UN Environment Assembly, the UN Climate Conference, and key discussions on minerals and resources. More updates coming soon—stay tuned.

Enjoying a Green Autumn in Geneva

With school holidays beginning at the end of the week in Geneva, suggestions to enjoy your free time and a Green Autumn in Geneva this week include:

  • Ciné-débat – “Le VIVANT qui se défend” en présence du réalisateur Vincent Verzat | 13 October 2025 | Partager C’est Sympa | Bâtiment des Forces Motrices
    Vincent Verzat has been filming environmental protests for 10 years on the YouTube channel Partager c’est Sympa. Starting from a personal and sensitive narrative, the film traces his journey between activism and naturalism, his search for a balance between struggle and contemplation, charting a path to live with dignity and face whatever comes. 
  • Escales limicoles en zone agricole à Yverdon et à Genève ? | 14 October 2025 | SZG – Groupe Ornithologique du Bassin Genevois | Collège de Saussure
    This event will feature a presentation of the positive experience of the stopover site that was created in the municipality of Yverdon-les-Bain and discuss the possibility of implementing a similar solution in Geneva, a major migratory route and gateway to the Swiss Plateau.
  • Conférence : Léman une agonie, surveillée – Éric Burnand | 14 October 2025 | ASL | Espace Léman
    Eric Burnand will share his personal account of the investigation and the making of his groundbreaking documentary «Lake Geneva, a monitored agony» (1979, Temps Présent), which helped spark the mobilization of different actors for the lake’s rescue in the 1980s.
  • Mission Numérique. Astuces pour sauver la planète | 15 October 2025 | Bibliothèques municipales de la Ville de Genève | Bibliothèque de la Cité
    Explore, play, and imagine a future where digital technology goes hand in hand with ecology. Come and discover, while having fun, how to use your screens more effectively, understand their life cycle, and adopt simple habits to reduce their environmental footprint. 
  • Exposition Tours du monde, de Jules Verne aux premiers globetrotters | 15 October 2025 | Musée national suisse | Château de Prangins
    The exhibition follows in the footsteps of thousands of tourists, mostly wealthy Westerners, who traveled around the world from the late 19th century onwards. Among them were several Swiss men and women, who brought back stories, souvenirs, and collections of objects from their travels. The exhibition also features the original manuscripts of Jules Verne’s novel Around the World in Eighty Days.
  • The crazy life of ivy | 15 October 2025 | Conservatoire et jardin botaniques
    Ivy is a strange plant. Instead of blooming in spring, it skips the warm season and blooms in autumn, much to the delight of bees and other insects. In winter, its fruits delight birds, which spread its seeds—not a bad idea for ivy! 
  • Atelier mobile de réparation de vélo Unicycle | 15 October 2025 | Association d’étudiant-es à vélo, University of Geneva | UNIGE, Sciences II
    As they do every year, they are back to repair students’ and staff members’ bikes. Come see them to get your bike ready for winter.
  • Au fil des pommes | Until 15 October 2025 | Bibliothèque de Genève
    To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Partage, the food bank of the canton of Geneva, the traveling exhibition “Au fil des pommes” is spreading art and generosity throughout Geneva. Here, apples undergo a metamorphosis: sometimes they appear as well-known comic book characters, sometimes as messengers of solidarity. In the creative hands of Geneva’s illustrators, each apple becomes much more than just a piece of fruit.
  • Atelier: Cultivons notre avenir | 16 October 2025 | Maison de l’Avenir | Impact Hub Geneva
    “Let’s cultivate our future” is a simple, low-tech, and ultra-accessible workshop-debate format. It is a 40-minute activity that explores the social benefits that actions to reduce our carbon footprint can bring to society: health, purchasing power, sovereignty, etc. It is designed to change mindsets and encourage discussion.
  • FAO at 80: A Legacy of Action, A Future of Innovation Exhibition | Until 17 October 2025 | FAO | Palais des Nations
    The exhibition will offer a dynamic journey through FAO’s history, highlighting its pivotal role in addressing global food security and agricultural challenges. It will also showcase FAO’s collaborations within International Geneva. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a virtual reality of the lives of pastoralists in Karamoja and Somalia.
  • Exposition photo au Jardin des Nations | Until 24 October 2025 | Jardin des Nations
    For its fourth season, the Jardin des Nations will transform into an open-air gallery. More than 40 photographs by British documentary photographer Mark Henley and French author-photographer Carole Desheulles will offer a visual dialogue between geopolitical tensions and the vitality of the natural world.
  • BORN IN … PPM au pont de la Machine | Until 26 October 2025 | SIG | Quartier Libre SIG
    An artistic photography project by Mary-Lou Mauricio demonstrating the increase in atmospheric CO₂ concentration since the industrial revolution. Participants pose with the atmospheric CO₂ concentration (in ppm) from their year of birth, creating a powerful statement against fossil fuels and climate change.
  • Notre Biodiversité | Until 30 November 2025 | Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques
    In line with the new Municipal Biodiversity Strategy of the City of Geneva an itinerary through the heart of our garden invites us, through short texts printed on sails, to question ourselves on this burning subject and to reflect on our roles as citizens, public authorities, scientific institutions such as ours and civil society.
  • Léman : L’éveil d’un peuple | Until 14 December 2025 | Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman | Espace Léman
    Through a wealth of documents, testimonials, objects, and audiovisual archive footage, the exhibition “Léman, l’éveil d’un peuple” traces the decisive action taken by associations, scientists, fishermen, journalists, and institutions that helped turn the tide. The exhibition also aims to remind us that each and every one of us can play a part in bringing about change.

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