Menu

Newsletter 03 Mar 2025

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 3 – 9 March 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 | Last week, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) flags lined up on the Pont du Mont-Blanc to mark the start of World Wildlife Day celebrations and the 50th anniversary of CITES entry into force.

Global UN World Wildlife Day Celebration in Geneva

On Monday 3 March 2025, we celebrate World Wildlife Day, in Geneva and around the world, under the theme “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet“. This year marks also the 50th anniversary of the entry into force of the Convention. A recent article by Dan Challender and Michael ‘t Sas-Rolfes in “The Conversation” has reviewed what has worked during the past 50 years and makes suggestions of what would need to change.

The Global United Nations World Wildlife Day High-Level Celebration, takes place in Geneva this year, with a major event co-organized by the CITES Secretariat, in partnership with UNDP, the Geneva Environment Network, Jackson Wild, ifaw and WILDLABS, at Palais des Nations. Leading international experts and diplomats joining the celebration will highlight innovative financial mechanisms for wildlife conservation and share actionable pathways to mobilize the financial resources for investing in the future of our planet. The event will also feature a musical performance with medicinal plants by Helen Anahita Wilson, Medicinal Plant Music Composer, the announcement of the winner of the 2025 WWD International Youth Art Contest, and a trailer premiere of the 2025 Jackson Wild Film Showcase. It will be followed by a light reception from 12:00 to 13:00 CET offered by Switzerland. → Register on Indico to join the event on Monday 3 March 2025, from 10:00 CET at Palais des Nations.

Celebrations will continue with a visit of the Geneva Bioparc where various activities will engage the public to learn, think and act for endangered wild animals! Learn about the CITES from CITES Secretary-General Ms Ivonne Higuero and discover the stories of the macaws, lemurs, lynxes and other fauna (even Janus the two-headed tortoise!) on a free guided tour of the park by Bioparc Director, Tobias Blaha. Think and test your knowledge of the species in the park through the World Wildlife Day 2025 Contest (to win a free guided feeding of the lemurs). Act for wildlife conservation by bringing a stone to help build the Bioparc reptile solarium! → Join the free activities from 15:00 to 16:00 CET (no registration required).

Keep an eye out for other upcoming activities by visiting the World Wildlife Day website and the Geneva Environment Network dedicated update, including various resources to understand better the role international Geneva plays and to enjoy wildlife in the region. To be noted that on the occasion of this celebration, the UN Geneva gardening team in Ariana Park established a biodiversity friendly dead hedge beneath the Villa Bocage. And did you know that storks have been back all winter in Geneva, after years of absence?

Unmasking Mercury and Colorism in Cosmetics

Ahead of International Women’s Day, an event, co-organized by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Geneva Environment Network, that aligns with this year’s theme “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” will feature leading voices to highlight the need of addressing the underlying socio-cultural norms surrounding skin-lightening products (SLPs). → Register on Forms to join us in person at the International Environment House I or online on Webex on 5 March 2025 from 13:00 to 14:00 CET.

Hundreds of millions of people globally use SLPs, often influenced by media and marketing that promote the biased assumption that lighter skin is more desirable. This reinforces colorism and harmful stereotypes, linking lighter skin with beauty, better job prospects, and higher social status. Many SLPs contain harmful ingredients like steroids, hydroquinone, and toxic mercury compounds, which can damage the skin and pose serious health risks. Advertisements in social media, retail, television, billboards, and internet shopping platforms in many countries which have embedded colorism in marketing campaigns exacerbate the problem.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury bans the manufacture, import, and export of mercury-added cosmetics. At its fifth meeting, the Minamata Convention COP decided to eliminate the 1 ppm mercury threshold for cosmetics, including skin-lightening products, making it explicit that no mercury can be added to cosmetics. In 2023, the COP agreed to consider the challenges in phasing out the use of mercury in cosmetics and measures to address these challenges at its upcoming meeting, to take place in Geneva, in November 2025.

Shaping Global Trade-related Ocean Policies @ 5th United Nations Ocean Forum

The 5th UN Ocean Forum on trade-related aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 14 takes place at Palais des Nations, from 3 to 5 March 2025, under the theme “Ocean Economy, Trade Policy, Climate, and Development Nexus”. The Forum, organized by UNCTAD in partnership with UNDESA, FAO, UNEP, DOALOS, the Commonwealth Secretariat, OACPS, and the International Oceans Institute, and co-sponsored by France, Costa Rica, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, is a global event aiming at uniting government, trade and environment experts, as well as industries, civil society to shape global trade-related ocean policies. → Discover the full program and register to attend.

The ocean economy has expanded 2.5 times since 1995, outpacing the global economy’s 1.9 times growth. This rapid development, including the expansion of ocean-based trade, presents critical governance gaps that must be addressed to ensure sustainability, climate resilience, and the protection of marine biodiversity and livelihoods. The Forum will therefore a set of coherent policy recommendations and actions on trade-related aspects of SDG 14 (Life below water), as well as direct input into discussions at the UN Ocean Conference (various institutions in Geneva are contributing to UNOC3), to take place in Nice, France, in June 2025, and to the UNCTAD 16th Ministerial Conference, to take place in Viet Nam, in October 2025.

Organized alongside the Forum, the MAPS Expo will showcase 14 exhibitors from international organizations to private manufacturers of sustainable marine-based products and services, including pioneering alternatives to conventional plastics, circular economy innovations, sustainable fisheries initiatives, and nature-based solutions that contribute to marine conservation, sustainable ocean use, and coastal livelihoods. The third floor of the Palais des Nations will be transformed into a vibrant “Ocean Economy” hub. The exhibition will be opened at 13:10 on 3 March 2025.

Environment @ 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

The 58th session of the Human Rights Council continues this week in Geneva. Amidst a background of increasing geopolitical crises and uncertainty, the session’s high-level opening on Monday 24 February reiterated the importance of human rights in tackling global challenges. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that as human rights, the oxygen of humanity, are “being suffocated by the climate crisis, and by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the paths to greater equality and sustainable development.” UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk underscored that in order to face such crises, “we need an alternative vision. We need the politics of wisdom, rooted in facts, law, and compassion.”

This week, the environment continues to remain high on the agenda of the Council:

Other notable events taking place this week include:

→ Consult regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC58, side events, and further resources available on our dedicated HRC58 and the environment update.

In the margins of HRC58, the 23rd edition of the Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH 2025) is taking place from 7 to 16 March 2025. This year’s edition, held under the theme “Between Anger and Tenderness: Cinema to Rethink the World”, will feature the environment highly as the various films, exhibitions and conferences tackle the interlinkages between human rights issues and toxics, minerals and metals, Indigenous People’s rights, environmental (and) human rights defenders, and questions on economic growth, among others. → Learn more about FIFDH 2025 environment-related programme.

Other relevant news and updates include:

  • The new US administration must recommit to human rights at home and abroad: UN experts | OHCHR | 27 February 2025
    UN human rights experts expressed concerns about the new US administration’s recent actions that undermine human rights and fundamental freedoms at both domestic and international levels and harm the UN Charter-based international order, and called on the United States as well as the international community to recommit to human rights.
  • Uzbekistan ratifies Aarhus Convention to strengthen environmental rights | KUN.UZ | 22 February 2025
    Uzbekistan’s accession to the convention aims to strengthen the protection of human rights and freedoms in environmental matters while enhancing the country’s international reputation.
  • The deadline for the call for inputs by UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, Marcos Orellana, for his next thematic report to the Human Rights Council “Access to Justice and Effective Remedies in the Context of Toxics” is fast approaching. The report aims to provide information and recommendations to strengthen normative frameworks and judicial and administrative mechanisms to ensure effective remedies for victims of human rights violations linked to toxic chemicals and waste. The deadline for submission is 4 March 2025.
  • The Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development has put out a call for submissions for a study on “Climate Finance: Vulnerability and Responsibility”, which aims to further explore and analyze the various processes, initiatives, and practices that contribute to adequately financing climate transition and development at different levels. The study will also examine, through examples and best practices, the implementation of mechanisms enshrined in the Kyoto Protocol under the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities.” Special attention will be given to Article 6 of the Paris Agreement concerning the carbon market. The deadline for submission is 30 May 2025.

Milestone Reached Towards Making Peace with Nature

The resumed session of the UN Biodiversity Conference gaveled to a close at 01:42 am, on 28 February 2025 in Rome, Italy. Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity successfully addressed all decisions suspended in Cali, Colombia in 2024, bringing the Conference of the Parties of the Convention and its Protocols to a successful close. President Muhamad noted during the closing plenary, that the meeting managed to “give the arms, legs, and muscles” to the Global Biodiversity Framework. Parties:

  • Committed to establishing permanent arrangements for the financial mechanism, mobilising funds and improving existing financial instruments to close the global biodiversity finance gap and achieve the target of mobilizing at least 200 billion dollars a year by 2030. It includes a roadmap of the activities and decision-making milestones from now, through the 17th, 18th and 19th meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, until 2030.
  • Adopted a Strategy for Resource Mobilization that identifies a broad range of instruments, mechanisms and institutions that could be tapped to mobilise the funds needed for implementation of the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Enhanced the planning, monitoring, reporting and review (PMRR) mechanisms required to measure implementation of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
  • Launched the Cali Fund for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources (DSI). The Cali Fund will receive contributions from private sector entities making commercial use of DSI and mobilize new streams of funding for biodiversity action worldwide, in support of the three objectives of the CBD. Recognizing their role and contributions as custodians of biodiversity, 50 per cent of the resources of the Cali Fund will be allocated to the self-identified needs of indigenous peoples and local communities, including women and youth.
  • Adopted decision to strengthen cooperation with other relevant agreements and organizations to enhance synergies and biodiversity mainstreaming across international processes.

→ Explore further:

In addition, Colombian COP16 President Susana Muhamad, launched the “Caravana de Cali a Belém” initiative to create broad citizen participation towards UN Climate Change Conference COP30 taking place in November 2025 in Belém do Pará (Brazil). The Caravan aims to maximise the engagement in these two key environmental years for the Latin American Region and will develop in four paths: Institutional, Biodiversity and climate change, World Coalition for Peace with Nature, and Actualization of Colombia’s Climate Goal.

Additional news include

Global Cities Hub: Celebrating Five Years of Advocacy for Cities and Regions in Multilateralism

The Global Cities Hub (GCH) — an international Geneva-based platform advocating for city leadership on global issues — is marking this month five years of impact with a renewed call for stronger urban climate action. In the five years since its founding by the City of Geneva with the support of the Swiss Confederation, the GCH has worked tirelessly to give cities and regions a stronger voice on the world’s stage and to ensure that urban issues are a priority. The GCH has strengthened multilateral cooperation by enabling local and regional governments (LRGs) to sit around the table with States and international organizations and bring their unique local perspective on a wide variety of issues, including climate change, plastic pollution, urban health, and human rights. By facilitating LRGs’ participation in UN processes, the GCH has brought the UN’s work closer to the people and made it a more inclusive and effective organization. With the growing involvement of local and regional governments, multilateralism – and, by extension, International Geneva – is not only holding firm but evolving and strengthening. On the occasion of the celebration of this important milestone, the hub has announced that Zurich and Nairobi have joined as partner cities. →  Read more about the Global Cities Hub

Promoting Women’s Rights and Gender Equality | 50 Years of International Women’s Day

In 1975, during International Women’s Year, the United Nations began celebrating 8 March as International Women’s Day – a time to reflect on progress made on gender equality, to call for change and to celebrate women’s contribution to numerous challenges around the globe. The theme for 2025 “For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment“, calls for action that can unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all and a feminist future where no one is left behind. Central to this vision is empowering the next generation — youth, particularly young women and adolescent girls — as catalysts for lasting change. Climate Justice has been listed among the six actions that can make a real difference, while placing the leadership of young women and adolescent girls in the center of all efforts.

This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action — the most progressive and widely endorsed blueprint for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide that transformed the women’s rights agenda in terms of legal protection, access to services, youth engagement, and change in social norms, stereotypes and ideas stuck in the past.

The selection process of the next Secretary-General of the United Nations, to be appointed in 2026, has also made headlines in past weeks, as a woman hasn’t yet led the organization. A discussion paper was circulated ahead of the meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Revitalization of the General Assembly that took place on 20 February 2025.

To celebrate International Women’s Day in Geneva:

Geneva Summer Schools Addressing Environmental Challenges

The Geneva Summer Schools, organized by the University of Geneva offer a wide range of pluridisciplinary courses, taking place during the summer, to enhance skills development, lifelong learning, and networking, at the gateway of the International Geneva. Of the over 15 courses organized, some address important environmental challenges and offer a space to reflect on their potential solution. These include:

  • Green Activism: From Planetary Engagement to Criminalization | 16 – 19 June 2025 | Centro Umami, Ascona
    This joint summer school between the Universities of Copenhagen and Geneva (both 4EU+ Alliance members) explores the field of green activism with a specific focus on different forms in the context of changing discourses of criminalization, engagement, radicalism and extremism.
  • Microplastics: From Environmental Impact to Policy, Innovation, and Public Awareness | 16 – 20 June 2025 | University of Geneva
    Learn from top experts and organizations and engage in dynamic learning formats to Develop and enhance your practical problem-solving skills by tackling real-world challenges in collaboration with professionals.
  • Leadership for Sustainability Transition | 23 –27 June 2025 | University of Geneva
    Boost your sustainability career skillset with intensive experience into becoming a more resilient and effective agent of sustainable transition.
  • Science & Policy for Environmental Action | 23 –27 June 2025 | University of Geneva
    International Geneva is host to a rather unique ecosystem of international organisations, NGOs, diplomatic missions, think tanks, donors and research institutions – which creates opportunities for science to join the policy table. This vibrant environment provides an exceptional setting for immersing oneself in the dynamics of science-based global policymaking.
  • SDG Summer School: Planetary Health | 30 June – 11 July 2025 | Deadline 30 April 2025 | University of Geneva
    The SDG Summer School will focus on gathering and analysing data about the impact of climate change on human health through a team-based problem-solving approach. The agile development of practical prototypes, including regular pitching sessions to a diverse jury, is inspired by concrete challenges formulated by experts from the International Organizations in Geneva. 

Upcoming Deadlines for Submissions and Inputs

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, as well as contests. → Find here calls for submissions related to the environment, here information on ongoing environmental contests, and here calls for submissions from Special Procedures of the UN Human Rights Council and other human rights bodies and instruments.

  • Right Livelihood Award | Do you know any courageous and innovative change-makers who strive to create a more just, peaceful and sustainable world for those around them? Nominations for the Right Livelihood Award are open to the public and can be submitted in English, French and Spanish. The deadline for submission is 3 March 2025.
  • Regional Forum for Sustainable Development 2025 | Would you like to organize a side event for the 2025 RFSD? Side events organized by several partners, and in particular with the involvement of member States, are encouraged. In general, side events will be in virtual format and organized under the full responsibility of the side event organizer(s). The deadline for submission is 5 March 2025.
  • Participez à la plus grande campagne de comptage de plastique en Suisse | Households of all types and sizes, schools, community groups and businesses are gaining new knowledge. How much plastic do we really throw away, and what happens to it? We’ll show the government that it’s time to make a commitment: reduce consumption of single-use plastics by 75% by 2040 by switching to reusable products. From 31 March to 6 April 2025, count your domestic plastic waste.
  • Children and Youth Delegation to the 2025 Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm COPs | The Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform has opened a call for delegates to represent the youth constituency at the upcoming 2025 Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Conferences of the Parties. Interested youth representatives of age 35 or younger are requested to apply on this form for non-funded registration support. The deadline for submission is 10 March 2025.

Enjoying the End of a Green Winter In Geneva

As many in neighbouring France are still enjoying school holidays, we invite you to check our Green Winter in Geneva 2024/2025 suggestions, including self-guided educational outdoor activities, creative online workshops and tips for more environmentally-conscious holidays, nature trails in the region. Suggestions of activities for this week include:

  • Festival du Film Vert | 1 March to 13 April 2025 | Variou
    s LocationsThe Festival du Film Vert is Switzerland’s premier documentary festival dedicated to ecology and the environment. Featuring over 400 screenings across multiple locations, it raises awareness of climate challenges while showcasing solutions. Many screenings include discussions with filmmakers and experts, encouraging action for a sustainable future.
  • La Tête dans les Nuages | 4 March 2025 | Bibliothèque des Eaux-Vives
    Dive into the wonders of meteorology in this engaging session exploring clouds, rain, and weather phenomena. A chance to uncover the science behind the sky!
  • Conference with Sophie Lavaud | 4 March 2025 | Société de Lecture
    Join Sophie Lavaud, the first Swiss woman to climb all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters, for an inspiring conversation about her Himalayan expeditions. From the Mont-Blanc challenge in 2004 to the breathtaking Nanga Parbat summit in 2023, her story is one of perseverance, courage, and passion for the mountains.
  • Vie cachée du Léman: mollusques et crustacés sous la loupe | 5 March 2025 |  Association pour la Sauvegarde du Léman
    Discover the lesser-known residents of Lake Geneva, including mollusks and crustaceans, in this interactive workshop.
  • Les plantes qui soignent les femmes | 5 March 2025 | Conservatory and Botanical Garden Geneva
    Explore the ancient wisdom of medicinal plants used for women’s health. This guided visit blends traditional knowledge with modern insights into the natural benefits of healing plants.
  • Concert Elles | 8 March 2025 | Victoria Hall
    Celebrate International Women’s Day with Concert Elles by the Orchestre des Nations conducted by Antoine Manguier.
  • Trail Run Evasion Rhône (RER) | 8 March 2025 | Geneva to Dardagny Trail Run
    Join the 23rd Trail Run Evasion Rhône, featuring scenic routes from Geneva to Dardagny. Enjoy stunning views of the Rhône, cliffs, natural reserves, and vineyards, blending breathtaking landscapes with exciting challenges.
  • Art et évolution| Until 31 May 2025 | Conservatory and Botanical Garden
    Showcasing artistic interpretations of evolutionary concepts by school groups, the exhibition features their creative works alongside reflections on their learning process. Explore this unique blend of science and art in the passage under Route de Lausanne.

What (Else) To Read Next?

Events

See all

Conference

Unmasking Mercury and Colorism in Cosmetics

05 Mar 2025 | 13:00 – 14:00

International Environment House I & Online | Webex

Minamata Convention, UNEP Chemicals and Health Branch, GEN

Chemicals and Pollution

SDG3 | SDG12

Jobs

See all

Learning

See all

Updates

See all

23 Aug 2026

Ongoing Contests

Climate | Nature | Chemicals and Pollution

SDG11 | SDG12

Subscribe to Newsletter