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Newsletter 29 Sep 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 29 September – 5 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 | Panelists at the Launch Event of the Report on Enforced Disappearances in the Context of the Defence of Land, Natural Resources, and the Environment, held against a poignant visual backdrop featuring photos and illustrations of missing environmental defenders. The report, released by the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, reveals a clear and present danger to those on the front line of environmental protection. These are not isolated incidents, but a growing trend fuelled by impunity. The report also highlights the disproportionate impact on Indigenous Peoples, Afro-Descendant communities, and rural populations, and underscores the role of business enterprises and financial institutions in enabling or perpetrating such violations with the State’s acquiescence. → Press release

Advancing the Human Rights and Environment Agenda

The human rights and environment agenda continues high in the agenda of International Geneva, with various key moments taking place this week.

Global Workshop on Regional Human Rights Organizations with a Focus on the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment | On 29 and 30 September, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is convening a global workshop on regional human rights organizations at Palais des Nations. Taking stock of developments in cooperation between the UN and Regional Human Rights Organizations since the workshop held in 2022, this global workshop will share experiences, good practices, and challenges on the role of regional arrangements regarding the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, and identify concrete steps and activities to advance this right. It will take stock of international and regional frameworks, mechanisms, developments and initiatives to advance the normative development of this right, identify areas of cooperation, challenges and good practices, and exchange good practices and challenges at the national/regional/international levels. → Register on Indico to attend in-person at Palais des Nations, Room XII. The event will be livestreamed on Youtube (Day 1 and Day 2).

HRC60 | As the 60th session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC60) continues this week in Geneva. Various environment-related draft resolutions have been submitted for deliberations at the Council. This week’s side events of interest include:

→ Consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC60, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC60 and the environment update.

Defossilizing our Economies: UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change in Geneva | Following the UN Special Rapporteur’s recent report on The Imperative of Defossilizing our Economies, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change, Elisa Morgera, will be present this week in Geneva for various events of interest, including open to the public:

Protecting Clean Air: UN Special Rapporteur on the right to healthy environment consultation | The UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño, is holding a consultation to help inform her forthcoming Human Rights Council report on the protection of clean air. In her upcoming report, the Special Rapporteur will examine the dimensions of air pollution through the lens of human rights obligations and the duty to protect people and the environment. This includes a deep analysis of its impacts on public health, with particular attention to the disproportionate burden on marginalized groups and populations. → The consultation is taking place on Friday, 3 October 2025, from 10:00 – 12:00 CEST at CeHDI – Global Center for Health Diplomacy and Inclusion, Chemin du Pommier 42 (Kyoto Building). Kindly register on Forms by 1 October 2025.

Two Years of the Global Framework on Chemicals

Two years ago, the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) made history on the morning of 30 September 2023 by adopting the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste (GFC), a High-Level declaration, and a series of additional resolutions. The adoption of the GFC allowed for chemicals, waste and pollution to be recognized at the same level as the crises of climate change and nature and biodiversity loss, which already had frameworks in place (Paris Agreement and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework).

After two years of advancing action on the chemicals, waste and pollution agenda, the Global Framework on Chemicals Fund will launch its second call for applications on 30 September 2025. The Fund aims to support countries in implementing this international agreement that guides governments and stakeholders in jointly addressing the lifecycle of chemicals, including products and waste. The Fund provides financial support of 300,000 to 800,000 USD for an implementation period of up to three years. Governments from developing countries, Small Island Developing States, and countries with economies in transition can apply for funding. Civil society networks may also apply, provided they have an agreement with the relevant government. The Fund also encourages regional or multi-country applications.

This week, an online event will inform applicants about the Global Framework of Chemicals and its Fund, the Fund’s priorities, application forms and provide guidance on integrating multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches. Unlike the first call for applications, this round introduces a streamlined two-stage process. In a first stage, applicants submit a brief concept note outlining project goals, partners, and expected outcomes. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to submit a full proposal, with expert feedback to help strengthen their submissions. Applicants are encouraged to join the event to learn more about the application process. In addition to the webinar, a guidance document outlining the Fund’s scope, strategic priorities and eligibility criteria as well as application guidelines are available in English, French and Spanish. → Register on Webex to join the event on 30 September 2025 from 10:00 to 12:00 CEST.

Countdown to Minamata Convention on Mercury COP-6

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. During COP-5, the Conference of the Parties elected Osvaldo Álvarez (Chile) as the President of COP-6. As part of the preparation for the meeting, online events will take place from 13 to 17 October 2025. → 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

This week, a briefing organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network, to be opened by the President of the Conference and the head of the Secretariat, will provide updates on preparations for COP-6, including an overview of logistical aspects and the online events. Invited stakeholders’ will also provide perspectives on the process. → Register to join either in person or online on 2 October 2025 from 13:00 to 14:30 CEST.

Towards the UN 2026 Water Conference: International Geneva and its Contribution

The 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, to be convened in the UAE from 2 to 4 December 2026, will be a key moment for the international community to renew its collective commitment to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 6. Building on the outcomes of the 2023 UN Water Conference, the 2026 edition will offer the international community a chance to turn momentum into meaningful implementation, reaffirming water’s role in development, climate resilience, and as a lever for peace and stability. The 2026 conference will be structured around six interactive dialogues, namely 1) Water for people, 2) Water for prosperity, 3) Water for planet, 4) Water for cooperation, 5) Water in multilateral processes, and 6) Investments for water. The scope of these dialogues itself demonstrates how water lies at the heart of all the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Group of Friends on Water and Peace (GoFW&P), established in Geneva in 2016 and Chaired by the Republic of Slovenia, serves as an open and informal platform, providing representatives from interested countries with a space for dialogue, outreach, engagement, and dissemination among the broader international community on topics related to water and peace. The Geneva Water Hub acts as the Secretariat of the GoFW&P. As a global hub for humanitarian action, peacebuilding, environmental governance, and multilateral diplomacy, International Geneva is uniquely positioned to contribute to the preparatory processes and dialogues of the 2026 UN Water Conference. Geneva’s ecosystem brings together operational experience, technical expertise, and diplomatic networks that can catalyze coherent, inclusive, and peace-responsive approaches to global water governance and can contribute to informing the mandate of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy on Water. Looking beyond 2030, the Conference also raises the important question of what a future global water architecture should look like.

This week, the 42nd UN-Water Meeting will be hosted by the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in Palais des Nations, Room XI, from 30 September to 1 October 2025 (with live coverage from the Earth Negotiations Bulletin). In the margins of the gathering, the 21st Meeting of the Group of Friends on Water and Peace will convene on 30 September, from 10:00 to 11:30 CEST, under the theme “Towards the UN 2026 Water Conference: International Geneva and its contribution” with UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy on Water, Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi, to examine how Geneva-based actors can support the mandate of the UN Special Envoy on Water and contribute to the 2026 Conference objectives. It will also feature forward-looking discussions on the role of water in the international system beyond 2030, with a particular emphasis on leveraging Geneva’s strengths to advance the linkages between SDG 6 and SDG 16. → Contact Ms. Tina Hočevar (Tina.Hocevar@gov.si) or Mr. Erik Schnetzler (eschnetzler@genevawaterhub.org)

Celebrating 10th Anniversary of Paris Agreement in Geneva

A decade ago, at the 21st UN Climate Change Conference, the Paris Agreement marked a turning point in global climate action. This historic accord brought together 195 nations in a shared commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions, limit global heating, and building resilience against escalating climate impacts. It signaled a new era of collective responsibility and ambition in the face of a planetary crisis.

Reaffirming France’s commitment to tackling climate change and building momentum ahead of the next UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil (COP 30), the Permanent Mission of France to the United Nations in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland is celebrating Paris+10 with an event series to mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and a flagship event. The series, involving a wide range of stakeholders and Member States, aims to demonstrate continued multilateral mobilization that enables concrete progress.

The series will kick off this week. Upcoming events include:

  • Paris Agreement Ten Years On: and the Path to COP30 | Building Bridges 2025 | 2 October 2025 | 12:00 to 13:00 CEST | CICG, Room B
    The event will feature a keynote moment to reflect on how far we have come since Paris, the finance’s evolving role, and what must be done now to deliver on nature and climate goals, building bridges between actions from governments and private actors/investors.
  • Just Transition for Resilient and Carbon-Neutral Energy Systems in the ECE region | UNECE Sustainable Energy Week 2025 | 2 October 2025 | 15:00 – 17:00 CEST | Palais des Nations, Room XII
    Climate Ambassador of France, H.E. Benoît Faraco, will open the Dialogue by highlighting the importance of a just energy transition in addressing climate challenges. His remarks will also commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, reflecting on its achievements and the path forward. UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights, Prof. Morgera will share key messages from her Human Rights Council report on the imperative of defossilizing our economies in connection with her upcoming report on renewables and critical minerals lifecycle and its human rights implications.
  • Geneva Launch: Green Technology Book EXPO25 Special Edition | Advancing Climate Action Ten Years After the Paris Agreement | 10 October 2025, 9:30 – 10:30 CEST | WIPO
    The Green Technology Book (GTB) is WIPO’s flagship publication under WIPO GREEN, designed to bridge the gap between the demand for and supply of green technologies. WIPO, France and the Geneva Environment Network are organizing the post-launch of the GTB EXPO 2025 Special Edition to present the publication’s findings, featuring high-level perspectives, and provide a platform for dialogue on scaling up energy technologies for climate action. It will also raise awareness of WIPO GREEN’s work, foster partnership opportunities, and support the 10th anniversary series of the Paris Agreement. → Save the date for 10 October 2025 from 09:30 to 10:30 CEST and register to attend in-person via Forms

Last week, the Climate Summit held in the context of the UN General Assembly reaffirmed the imperative of climate action. As reported by the Earth Negotiation Bulletin, Parties announced updated national targets for climate action, reaffirmed their support for multilateralism and science, and demanded immediate action to prevent the irreversible damage resulting from a rapidly heating planet. Launches and announcements included:

  • The report Planetary Health Check 2025 finds that seven of nine planetary boundaries — including climate change — have now been exceeded. The 2025 edition places a special focus on the Ocean’s role in the Earth system, and assess for the first time that Ocean Acidification is the seventh transgressed Planetary Boundary.
  • The Production Gap Report 2025, tracking the misalignment between governments’ planned fossil fuel production and global production levels consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C or 2°C, the 2025 edition profiles the plans and projections of 20 major fossil fuel-producing countries. It finds that 10 years after the Paris Agreement, governments plan to produce more than double the volume of fossil fuels in 2030 than would be consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C, steering the world further from the Paris goals than the last assessment in 2023. → Read the IISD press release 

Events addressing climate change taking place this week include:

Additional news include:

Gaza Devastation | Assessing the Environmental Harm

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) issued a new report “Environmental Impact of the Escalation of Conflict in the Gaza Strip”  in response to a request from the State of Palestine to assess environmental damage arising from the conflict in the Gaza Strip, pursuant to United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) Resolution 6/12 regarding “Environmental assistance and recovery in areas affected by armed conflict”. This is the second assessment of environmental damage in the Gaza Strip issued by UNEP since October 2023. It finds that two years of escalating conflict have caused unprecedented levels of environmental damage in the Gaza Strip, damaging its soils, freshwater supplies and coastline. As stressed by UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, “Ending the human suffering that has engulfed Gaza must be the first priority,” and restoring freshwater systems and removing debris to enable humanitarian access and restore essential services are urgently required to save lives.

The assessment includes 30 recommendations for reversing the damage to Gaza’s environment. Among the report’s key findings:

  • Freshwater supplies in Gaza are severely limited and much of what remains is polluted. The collapse of sewage treatment infrastructure, the destruction of piped systems and the use of cesspits for sanitation have likely increased contamination of the aquifer that supplies much of Gaza with water. Marine and coastal areas are also likely contaminated, although testing is not currently possible.
  • The water crisis has contributed to a surge in infectious diseases, including cases of acute watery diarrhea (which has increased 36-fold) and acute jaundice syndrome, indicative of hepatitis A (which has increased 384-fold).
  • Much of Gaza’s vegetation has been destroyed. Since 2023, the enclave has lost 97 per cent of its tree crops, 95 per cent of its shrubland and 82 per cent of its annual crops. Food production at scale is not possible. That comes as over 500,000 people in Gaza are facing famine conditions, with about 1 million others in a food emergency.
  • Some 78 per cent of Gaza’s estimated 250,000 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. This has generated 61 million tonnes of debris – about as much as 15 Great Pyramids of Giza or 25 Eiffel Towers by volume. About 15 per cent of this debris could be at relatively high risk of contamination with asbestos, industrial waste, or heavy metals if waste streams are not effectively segregated early on.
  • The loss of vegetation and compaction by military activity have affected soil structure and reduced its ability to absorb water, increasing runoff and flood risks, and reducing groundwater recharge.

A recent Conference Room Paper to HRC60, “Legal analysis of the conduct of Israel in Gaza pursuant to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide” (A/HRC/60/CRP.3) issued by the  Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, notes the environmental destruction in Gaza since 7 October 2023, underscoring the immediate as well as the lasting and widespread impact of damaged structures, the presence of toxic remnants of deadly explosions released into the environment, including hazardous heat and chemical reactions, smoke and ash to the health of Palestinians in Gaza.

A recent Opinion in the Guardian also refers to various sources on the environmental degradation in Gaza and concludes on the environmental impacts of armed forces, concluding that the military tends to be excused from environmental scrutiny, although its footprint, even in peacetime, is enormous. The Conflict and Environment Observatory estimates in a report issued in 2022 that the world’s armed forces produce approximately 5.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. These are exempted from mandatory reporting under the Paris Agreement and are not properly held to account for their vast range of other environmental harms, from deforestation to pollution, soil destruction to unregulated dumping.

Meanwhile, the “UN Staff for Gaza” private association of current and former members of UN Staff and related personnel, has gathered to speak out about what is happening in the Gaza Strip. Born from an open letter circulated in late July, this initiative provides a channel for UN colleagues through which to exchange information and build common resolve, express solidarity with colleagues on the ground and pay tribute to the hundreds of staff who have been killed, help amplify calls by the Secretary-General and wider UN leadership, and promote a positive organizational culture in which colleagues feel safe and empowered to express their convictions. This initiative was inspired by the words of the Secretary-General, who said that the UN “must continue to speak out at every opportunity,” and repeatedly appealed for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access.

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:

  • UNEA-7 Draft Resolution Submission | The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place from 8 to 12 December 2025 at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, on the theme “Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet”. All draft resolutions and decisions should be submitted by the main proponent via the “e-Proposals” module on the e-deleGATE platform by 29 September 2025, ten weeks in advance of UNEA-7.
  • Raising their voices: HRDs respond to the human rights crisis | In her final report to the Human Rights Council at its 61st session, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders wishes to bring the voice of human rights defenders directly to the Council. At a time when the international human rights system is facing unprecedented challenges, the Special Rapporteur believes it is more important than ever that States hear directly from human rights defenders. As such, she seeks input from human rights defenders on how they view their human rights work, the environment in which that work takes place and changes they would like to see for the greater support of their work. The deadline for submission is 30 September 2025. → Submit your input
  • Call for nominations of members of the Multidisciplinary Experts Panel of IPBES | IPBES members are invited to submit to the secretariat nominations of candidates for the Multidisciplinary Experts Panel of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES). In accordance with Rule 26 of the rules of procedure, candidates for the MEP are to be proposed by members of the Platform for nomination by the regions and elected by the Plenary. National focal points are invited to submit their proposals for candidate by completing the nomination form, including the submission of a curriculum vitae of the nominee by 30 September 2025.
  • The 7th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from 5 to 7 November 2025. The event is being organized and hosted by Hungary, in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO/Europe). Countries and organizations are invited to designate their representative(s) by 5 October 2025. All participants are requested to register through Indico by 5 October 2025
  • Youth and Children interested in joining the Children and Youth Delegation to the 2025 Minamata Conference of the Parties (COP-6), either as funded or self-funded, can express their interest through the dedicated form by 10 October 2025 for non-funded registration support.
  • EPFL Tech4Dev Call for NGOs | In a world at a crossroads, urgent global action is needed. As we approach the year 2030, there’s a growing urgency to accelerate progress on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the 2030 Agenda. To participate in addressing this challenge, EPFL and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) are launching the second edition of Tech4Dev, an acceleration program for Sustainable Development dedicated to Low- and Middle-Income Countries → Learn more and apply

Upcoming conferences, meetings and courses for which registration is open include:

  • Becoming Nature Positive | Becoming Nature Positive, a landmark new book bringing together global leaders in sustainability, business, and policy will be launched during a dedicated event on 6 October 2025, where the authors behind Becoming Nature Positive explain how we can grasp a nature positive future with both hands. Through personal stories, deep expertise, cross-cultural alignments, scientific rigor and practical ideas for action, each co-author offers a crucial perspective on how to achieve a nature-positive world. → Register here
  • E-waste Challenge Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) | E-waste puts our health, the planet, and our
    resources at risk. To provide everyone with the tools to learn how to cut down on the e-waste we create and see the opportunities that smart e-waste management brings, the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions; EIT RawMaterials; University of Leuven (KU Leuven, Belgium); World Health Organization; International Telecommunication Union; and the World Resources Forum are launching a MOOC and registration will be open 29 September 2025. The launch will be followed by a webinar series running over a period of five weeks and providing real-time engagement, discussion, and insight with leading experts and fellow learners.
  • WTO 14th Ministerial Conference | The WTO has opened the accreditation process for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) wishing to attend the 14th Ministerial Conference, which will be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, from 26 to 29 March 2026. NGOs should submit their requests for accreditation no later than 15 December 2025. 

Happening Abroad

Enjoying a Green Autumn in Geneva

Suggestions to enjoy your free time and a Green Autumn in Geneva this week include:

  • Construire demain : innovations et collaborations pour la nature | 30 September 2025 | Impact Hub | Maison de l’Avenir
    This one-hour session will showcase start-ups that not only develop innovative ideas, but also work hand-in-hand with local communities and organizations to turn those ideas into tangible impacts. Through presentations and interactive roundtables bringing together entrepreneurs, public institutions, and businesses, you will explore how collaboration in the field can develop solutions, build trust, and bring about meaningful change. The event is primarily aimed at public institutions, investors, philanthropists, and large companies, but is open to anyone interested.
  • Plongeon miniature dans le monde merveilleux des mousses | 1 October 2025 | Conservatoire et Jardin botaniques
    Come and discover the miniature world of mosses through the lens of a field or laboratory magnifying glass (depending on the weather). Mosses are surprisingly diverse and will surprise you with their variety of shapes and shades of green. This activity takes place in all weather conditions, outdoors when the weather is nice and indoors if it rains.
  • Systémique des Limites Planétaires | 2 October 2025 | AVSA | Maison de l’avenir
    Discover how our planet’s fragile balance depends on the interaction of multiple environmental boundaries. This participatory workshop at the Maison de l’Avenir invites you to explore the systemic connections between climate, biodiversity, freshwater, soils, and other vital elements that sustain life on Earth. Through interactive activities and collective reflection, you will gain a deeper understanding of the interdependencies that shape the resilience of our ecosystems, and reflect together on pathways toward a more sustainable future.
  • Atelier de fabrication d’emballage réutilisable | 2 October 2025 | Zero Waste | Marché des Grottes
    Are you curious to discover eco-friendly and practical alternatives for your everyday life? Come and make your own reusable packaging for free in just a few minutes! As part of the new Maison de l’Avenir, you are invited to participate in the Grottes market at the ongoing mini-workshop (drop in whenever you like between 4 and 9pm!) to learn how to make your own Bee’s Wrap, a reusable and natural food wrap that is the perfect replacement for plastic wrap.
  • Semaine européenne du développement durable | 2, 3 & 4 October 2025 | Evian
    As part of the Semaine européenne du développement durable in Évian, take part in three inspiring events that explore the links between environment, society, and our everyday choices:

    • 2 October – Film Screening La Ferme des Bertrand (The Bertrand Farm). Director Gilles Perret retraces 50 years in the life of a Haute-Savoie farm, offering a moving reflection on the evolution of agriculture and rural life.
    • 3 October – Conference: “The Impact of Fast Fashion”. Meet Julia Faure, entrepreneur and advocate for responsible fashion. 
    • 4 October – Workshop: “Fresque de l’alimentation” (Food Fresk). An interactive and collaborative activity designed to help you reconnect with your environment and rethink your food choices.
  • Brame du cerf | 3 October 2025 | Centre nature de la libellule
    The rut of the red deer is the period that has made the animal famous, when its famous bellowing can be heard. You will walk at dusk to listen to this powerful cry, which echoes throughout the forest.
  • Colloque “Animaux & Société” | 4 October 2025 | Association Co&xister | Salle communale de Plainpalais
    How can we change the status of animals in society? How is the evolution of their status linked to the progress of other social struggles? What tools and resources can be used to bring about change, and what changes have already been initiated? From eating habits to legislation and veterinary care, join this unique event that highlights animal issues from an intersectional perspective.
  • Sauvages – les coulisses du film de Claude Barras | 4 October 2025 | Bibliothèque de la Cité
    The Sauvages exhibition invites the public to prolong the magic of the film by delving into the intimacy of its creation. Richly illustrated with original documents created by Claude Barras and his team, the exhibition is divided into three main sections. Intimate photographs and unpublished testimonials reveal the special atmosphere that reigned on set and pay tribute to the passionate commitment of the entire film crew.
  • Les oiseaux migrateurs à Versoix | 4 October 2025 | Pro Natura | Bois de Versoix
    Open to children aged 6 and up, come and spend a morning searching for the temporary inhabitants of the Versoix woods during their migration period. This is a crucial stage for these great travelers, whom you will try to encounter during a pleasant walk in the heart of Geneva’s natural surroundings.
  • Où te caches-tu champignon ? | 4 October 2025 | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon
    Who knows if we’ll find mushrooms? Where do they hide, how do they grow? Are they dangerous? Venture off the beaten track and explore the forest to discover these treasures hidden in the undergrowth! Please note, you won’t be picking mushrooms in the woods; this outing is an introduction to mushroom observation.
  • Une nuit au brame | From 4 to 5 October 2025 | La libellule | Jura
    To immerse yourself in the setting that hosts the red deer rut, you will walk and then camp in the Jura mountains to listen to the animals and perhaps observe them.
  • Balade de l’automne | 5 October 2025 | Naries | Square Mirany
    On this autumn walk, you will follow the Seymaz River to learn how a riverside forest adapts to the changing seasons. How do leaves change color? Why do animals hibernate? You will discuss the changes you observe around you.
  • Traces et indices en forêt | 5 October 2025 | Pro Natura | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon
    Once inside, among the tall trees, a fascinating world unfolds before nature detectives! Are you ready to follow in the footsteps of animals? The forest dwellers are waiting for you, come and discover them!
  • La vie de la roselière | 5 October 2025 | Pro Natura | Pointe à la Bise
    Pointe à la Bise is home to Geneva’s last remaining lakeside reed bed. You will observe the bird species that can be seen at this time of year, as well as the microorganisms that inhabit the lake and ponds. An enchanting place to discover!
  • Cycle: Meetings for reflection and action | 5 October 2025 | Musée d’ethnographie de Genève
    Through this series of ‘think and act’ events, MEG aims to address the urgent issue of climate change through the prism of MEG’s specific characteristics. By working with you, people who are active and committed to climate and environmental issues, as well as experts, artists, representatives of indigenous peoples, craftswomen and creative people, it offers a programme of activities that provide practical tools for action and reflection, accessible and useful to everyone.
  • Le Prince et le Saumon: Parcours découverte enfants | 5 October 2025 | Musée d’ethnographie de Genève
    Experience this incredible encounter through dance and sound, which will take you on a journey around the planet and encourage you to reflect on and take action against the climate crisis. The result of a collaboration between Geneva-based artist Myriam Boucris from the Tohu Wa Bohu company and Alaskan Ts’msyen artists Gavin Hudson and David R. Boxley, this discovery journey offers your children the chance to experience, through dance and sound, a tale that evokes the relationship between the Ts’msyen and the Salmon people and reminds us of our responsibility towards our environment. The activity is suitable for children aged 2 to 7 accompanied by an adult, but is open to everyone, with or without children.
  • 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” (Through the Apples) 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: it embodies the momentum of collective commitment and the promise of a more united world. 

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • UN experts hail ratification of landmark ocean protection agreement | OHCHR Special Procedures | 25 September 2025
    UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment and on climate change welcomed the ratification of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), which is set to enter into force in January 2026, and the entry into force of the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, describing it as a significant step forward in global ocean governance. “The priority now is to ensure the effective implementation of these agreements to safeguard the ocean and its contributions to our planet’s life-support systems, including the climate and human rights,” the experts said.
  • Global shipping faces fragile growth, rising costs and mounting uncertainty as political tensions, shifting trade patterns and reconfigured routes reshape maritime trade | UN Trade and Development | 24 September 2025
    The latest Review of Maritime Transport 2025 outlines priority actions, including stabilizing trade policies to reduce uncertainty and keep supply chains flowing; investing in sustainable, green and resilient infrastructure for ports and shipping; promoting digitalization to improve efficiency and transparency while ensuring cybersecurity; accelerating fleet renewal and modernization to meet climate goals and promote sustainable ship recycling; and protecting vulnerable economies from the worst impacts of higher shipping costs.
  • Three amazing entrepreneurs awarded UNEP Young Champions of the Earth prize | UNEP | 23 September 2025
    Winners are recognized for groundbreaking contributions that advance a global circular economy and improving environmental outcomes by treating wastewater, expanding access to clean water, tackling plastic pollution, and creating sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Award recipients will receive seed funding, mentoring, communications support, and a global platform to showcase and scale their solutions.
  • Turning the tide on plastic pollution: mobilizing finance for a just and scalable transition| United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) | 21 September 2025
    Developed by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) in partnership with the IFC – International Finance Corporation and the UN Environment Programme the Plastics Transition Investment Facility (PTIF) is a global blended finance platform designed to address structural financing gaps that deter investment in sustainable plastics solutions across the full lifecycle. 
  • The State of Critical Minerals Report 2025 | The Payne Institute for Public Policy | 9 September 2025
    The report emphasizes the entire value chain relative to what we believe is often an over-emphasis on mining, or the upstream. Indeed, Chinese dominance in refining/processing minerals is for many minerals a more significant risk than the mining of raw ore. Related, we consider the potential to extract byproducts from current mining operations. It raises attention on attention on the number and uses of critical minerals. To date, the bulk of attention has focused on a handful of minerals most closely associated with clean energy. But the increased requirements for applications in defense and AI point to considerable growth in demand for a much broader range of materials and supply chains.
  • From Traceability to Biotechnology. Trade-led innovative solutions for sustainable leather | SMEP | September 2025
    This brief explores the role of trade in advancing developing countries’ sustainability transition in the leather industry. Drawing on evidence from the SMEP Programme’s interventions in Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Pakistan, it outlines four trade-led, innovative solutions and pathways to transformation. Section 2 discusses the trade linkages of these solutions and the challenges facing companies pursuing these pathways, based on a thorough analysis of the country contexts. Section 3 reviews workable models for de-risking investment and identifies actionable policy recommendations for a greener and diversified leather industry.

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