Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 15 December 2025 – 4 January 2026

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.

The Geneva Environment Network secretariat will be closed from 20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. This newsletter exceptionally covers activities for the upcoming three weeks.

Image of the week | «Genève, Léman: Coupe de Noël depuis la promenade du Lac, 17 December 2017». Part of a photographic survey on sporting practices in Geneva. © Bibliothèque de Genève/David Wagnières. The Coupe de Noël (Christmas Cup) is Geneva’s iconic annual winter swimming event, launched in 1934, where hundreds of daring participants plunge into the icy waters of Lake Geneva each December. The 87th edition is scheduled for 20-21 December 2025.

Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface to Address the Triple Planetary Crisis

As the world confronts the triple planetary crisis — climate change, nature loss, and pollution — the role of Science-Policy Interfaces (SPIs) in translating scientific knowledge into effective and actionable policy has never been more important. Existing SPIs such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) for the climate change crisis, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) for the nature loss crisis, and the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), for the pollution crisis, are an essential support to global Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), as well as the global deals that set agreed goals and targets to tackle the triple planetary crisis — Paris Agreement, Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste — and the instruments for their implementation at the national level.

In the lead-up to the inaugural session of the Plenary of the ISP-CWP in Geneva, in February 2026, as well as the plenaries of other science-policy platforms in 2026, and building on the launch of the seventh edition of the Global Environmental Outlook at the United Nations Environment Assembly last week, the Geneva Environment Network will host a Science-Policy Day on 17 December 2025.
Starting from 08:30 CET, through an interactive fair, lightning talks, fireside chats, panel discussion, and a networking reception, the special event Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface to Address the Triple Planetary Crisis, will provide opportunities to engage and exchange with leading experts, stakeholders and Members States working in the interface of science and policy, fostering collaboration to advance solutions for today’s environmental challenges. → Discover the full programme and the line-up of speakers and fair participants and register on Eventbrite to participate on 17 December 2025 at the International Environment House II.

Engaging Scientists and Experts in the Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution

In preparation for the first session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP P1), to convene in Geneva in February 2026, the ISP-CWP Secretariat, in collaboration with the Geneva Environment Network, is organizing the “Road to the First ISP-CWP Plenary Session” series of events. The series is designed to provide essential information about the first Plenary session, address key questions, and foster dialogue to ensure inclusive and informed participation.

A new online event in the series, “Engaging Scientists and Experts to Strengthen the Science-Policy Interface on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution“, will focus on the engagement of scientists and experts at the science-policy interface and what can help facilitate the strengthening of the interface for chemicals, waste and pollution prevention. It will feature two panels the first will explore relevant examples of expert networks, including those engaged in questions of chemicals, waste, and pollution, and the second will turn to strategies employed to enhance the reach of expert engagement. The audience will then have the opportunity to put questions to the panelists. → Register on Webex to participate online on 16 December 2025 from 14:00 to 15:30 CET.

Protecting People Displaced by Climate Change

This week, the 2025 edition of the Global Refugee Forum Progress Review, the second high–level officials’ meeting in the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) process, will take stock of developments of the Global Refugee Forum (GRF) and assess the implementation of pledges in support of refugees and host communities. The three-day meeting, co–hosted by UNHCR and Switzerland and co–convened by the co–convenors of the GRF 2023, Colombia, France, Japan, Jordan and Uganda from 15 to 17 December 2025 at CICG, will welcome a wide range of stakeholders, representing the entire ecosystem of the Global Compact. At least 200 refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and stateless persons are expected to join. Various events taking place in the margins will be connecting the climate change crisis to refugee issues:

Seizing the opportunity of the 10th Anniversary of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda (NIPA), a dedicated event “Commemorating 10 years of the Nansen Initiative Protection Agenda: Reflecting on Legal, Normative and Policy Developments for People Displaced Across Borders in the Context of Disasters and Climate Change” will take stock of progress made towards the protection of persons displaced across borders in the context of disasters and climate change. The event, organized by the Government of Costa Rica as Chair of the Platform on Disaster Displacement, UNHCR, the UNSW Kaldor Center and Multilateral Dialogue at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), will take place on 15 December 2025, at the Varembé Conference Centre (CCV) in Room Vevey from 12:00 – 13:45 CET.
The Jesuit Refugee Services and Caritas Internationalis will hold an event entitled “Hope in a Changing Climate: Honoring the Dignity of Displaced People“, which will feature the screening of the video “In our Island”, followed by two panel discussions. Register to attend on 16 December 2025 from 13:30 – 15:00 CET in the meeting room on the ground floor of 1 rue de Varembé.
The 2025 Nansen Refugee Award Ceremony will be held on 16 December at the Bâtiment des Forces Motrices to celebrate the exemplary work of the global laureate and the four regional winners.

UN Environment Assembly Commits to Multilateral Action for a Resilient Planet

The Seventh Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment, concluded on 12 December 2025 with the adoption of 11 resolutions, 3 decisions, and a Ministerial Declaration. These outcomes address issues of interest for multilateral processes of international Geneva, ranging from the sound management of minerals, metals, chemicals, and waste to the sustainable use of Artificial Intelligence, international cooperation against wildfires, antimicrobial resistance, the protection of glaciers and of coral reefs, and finding sustainable solutions through sport. In her closing remarks, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen affirmed that these commitments “will set a new pathway for critical environmental stewardship.” UNEA-7 also adopted the UNEP Medium-Term Strategy for the next four years, endorsing UNEP as the leading global environmental authority. The assembly elected the President of UNEA-8, His Excellency Matthew Samuda of Jamaica, and the new UNEA bureau members. UNEA-8 will take place at the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme, in Nairobi, from 6 December to 10 December 2027. → Read the final press release

Releases and announcements at UNEA-7 include:

The seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7): A Future We Choose was released on 9 December 2025. Resulting from the work of nearly 300 multidisciplinary scientists, GEO-7 offers an in-depth look at the state of the global environment. While many of its findings are concerning, GEO-7 shares a message of hope that if humanity acts quickly, it can still undo decades of environmental damage and forge a more sustainable future for billions of people. → Read UNEP press release and learn more on the interactive quick summary
The UN Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals (UN Task Force on CETM) was launched on 10 December. Endorsed by the UN Secretary-General and chaired by UNEP, UNCTAD and UNDP, the Task Force will coordinate the United Nations’ activities across all principles and actionable recommendations. → Read more on UN.org
UNEP announced the 2025 Champions of the Earth on 10 December 2025. Now in its 20th year, UNEP’s Champions of the Earth award is the UN’s highest environmental honour, celebrating environmental leaders who deliver important solutions in their fields. This year’s laureates are extraordinary leaders tackling some of the most urgent challenges of our time: climate justice, methane emissions, sustainable cooling, resilient buildings, and forest conservation. → Read more on UNEP press release

Reactions and analyses on what happened at UNEA-7:

UN Environment Assembly wraps up in Nairobi | UN News | 12 December 2025
UN Environment Assembly – UNEA-7 Coverage | Earth Negotiations Bulletin | 8-12 December 2025
UNEA 7 ends with new commitments but misses agreements on key environmental issues, says WWF | WWF | 12 December 2025
UNEA-7: Key Compromises in Text, but Environmental Progress on the Margins | CIEL | 12 December 2025
Environment Assembly Fails to Address Toxic Impacts from Mining in the Rush to Extract Critical Minerals for Energy Transition | IPEN | 12 December 2025
Push for global minerals deal meets opposition, more talks agreed | Climate Home News | 12 December 2025
UNEA7 misses the opportunity to bring about a global minerals framework, EEB warns | EEB | 12 December 2025
UNEA-7: Alarming Signals for Science-Based Decision-Making, Civil Society Participation, and Multilateralism | OceanCare | 12 December 2025
A breakthrough on plastic pollution remains within reach | UNEP ED Speech | 12 December 2025
At UNEA7 in Nairobi, UNECE, BRS Conventions and partners call for stronger risk management of critical energy transition minerals | UNECE | 10 December 2025
Why the UN Environment Assembly is essential to a safer, more resilient planet | Inger Andersen | 9 December 2025

Happening Abroad

The 70th Meeting of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council will meet virtually from 15 to 19 December 2025. GEF Council Members will consider an independent assessment of the GEF’s progress and performance during the current replenishment period as they prepare for the GEF’s ninth replenishment cycle, which is scheduled to begin in July 2026. → Follow ENB live coverage

Farewell to 2025 | Warm Season’s Greetings

As 2025 comes to an end, it is time to reflect on another intense and challenging year for environmental governance. Major negotiations and intergovernmental meetings in Geneva and beyond led to important decisions to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature loss, and pollution. → Revisit 2025’s milestones and key moments in multilateral Geneva with our selection of quotes.

In 2025, the Geneva Environment Network convened 91 multi-stakeholder events, supported partners in hosting numerous other events, and welcomed 39 visiting delegations and student groups to the International Environment House. We also kept the Geneva community engaged and informed on environmental activities and issues through our weekly newsletter and media resources. → Access videos and summaries of past events and a list of upcoming events.

In February 2025, the 10th Geneva Engage Awards honoured excellence in digital outreach across International Geneva throughout 2024, under the theme “Engage2Connect”. The Geneva Environment Network proudly won the Accessibility Award.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Switzerland, our partners, and all stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration, and for continuing to make Geneva a global hub advancing international environmental governance. The Geneva Environment Network team deeply values working with you and wishes you a joyful, sustainable holiday season. We look forward to continuing our support to the Geneva environmental community in 2026!

Looking for some activities to complete your holiday program? Our page “Green Winter in Geneva” showcases our selection of environment-related activities, outdoor excursions, conferences, and more in Geneva.

What (Else) to Read Next?

Happy anniversary to the Paris Agreement? A 10-year review of climate action, setbacks and the fight to keep 1.5°C alive | Greenpeace | 12 December 2025
10 years later, the world is still dangerously off track from meeting the 1.5°C limit and much faster action to reduce fossil fuels emissions and end deforestation is needed. The article looks at what the Paris Agreement has achieved, what happens next and what is needed to limit climate change.
WMO and UNDP report analyses post-disaster needs assessments | WMO | 11 December 2025
The joint publication, Mapping the Impact and Informing Economic Resilience: An Analysis of Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNAs), seeks to meet mounting demand from governments and development partners for more rigorous, sector-specific evidence to guide risk-informed investments, accelerate recovery, and strengthen national resilience systems.
Addressing the Climate Crisis and Supporting Climate-Resilient Development: Where Can the Trading System Contribute? | TESS | 11 December 2025
Recognizing the urgent need to forge collaboration and solutions at the nexus of trade, climate, and sustainable development, TESS commissioned a series of expert views to spur discussion on a proactive, forward-looking, and inclusive agenda on where the trading system can contribute to addressing the climate crisis and supporting climate-resilient development.
Challenging outlook for meeting the EU’s long-term environment and climate objectives | EEA | 10 December 2025
Despite progress in key areas, the European Union (EU) remains likely off track for most 2030 environmental goals, according to the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) new 8th EAP assessment of progress toward objectives. Rising climate risks, slow transitions in production and consumption system and weakening enabling conditions highlight the urgent need for stronger, better financed and faster policy implementation.
Invisible Ingredients. Tackling toxic chemicals in the food system | Systemiq | 10 December 2025
Invisible Ingredients provides the most comprehensive global assessment to date of how four major chemical groups—phthalates, bisphenols, pesticides, and PFAS—affect human health, ecosystems, and economic stability through the global food system. It finds that without a timely and coordinated phase-out, these chemicals will continue to drive significant harm to health and fertility, damage ecosystems, and erode long-term economic resilience.
Chair elected at first meeting of the Committee on Fisheries Subsidies | WTO | 9 December 2025
The Committee on Fisheries Subsidies held its first meeting on 9 December at the WTO, confirming the election of its first Chair, Ana Laura Lizano of Costa Rica. The role of the Committee will be to examine information submitted by WTO members on their fisheries subsidies-related notifications and to oversee the operation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Armenia unveils the logo of the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference | CBD | 9 December 2025
Inspired from Polyommatus eriwanensis, a butterfly species endemic to Armenia, the logo’s colour palette draws on the visual identity of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and its 23 action targets. Blending the 23 icons, the COP 17 logo symbolizes the interconnectedness of the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework as an indivisible whole.
Sub-Saharan Africa has lost nearly a quarter of its biodiversity | Stockholm Resilience Center | 9 December 2025
A unique study shows that sub-Saharan Africa has lost nearly a quarter of its biodiversity since pre-industrial times, and that large mammal populations have decreased by more than 75%. Crucially, 80% of the remaining wild plants and animals live outside formally protected lands, which, according to the study, means we fundamentally have to shift where and how we think about biodiversity conservation in Africa.
Bulgaria: Delayed Coal Phaseout Fuels Health Harm | Human Rights Watch | 8 December 2025
Bulgaria’s delayed decommissioning of coal-fired power plants contributes to dangerous air pollution, risks breaching new air quality standards, and is slowing down the country’s transition away from fossil fuels.
Marrakech Declaration adopted at the End of the 19th World Water Congress | 5 December 2025
The Marrakech Declaration reiterates that water security is a major current issue. It therefore stresses the importance of making water a global priority at all international meetings, addressing the issue, such as COP31, the 2026 United Nations Water Conference and the 11th World Water Forum scheduled for 2027. It also encourages the strengthening of bilateral, regional, international and multilateral cooperation in the field of water through the sharing of data, technologies and expertise.