Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 4 – 10 May 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, YouTube, and WhatsApp, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | Discussions after the session “Navigating Global Sustainability Standards in the Mining Sector”, part of the Geneva Dialogues on Mineral and Metal Resources during the UNECE Resource Management Week Side Event. | Palais des Nations, 30 April 2026.

Launch | Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines — A One Health Approach for National Systems

Pharmaceuticals play a critical role in safeguarding human and animal health, enhancing food production, and driving economic prosperity. However, their release into the environment — through manufacturing, use, and disposal — poses significant risks, including antimicrobial resistance, endocrine disruption, and toxic effects on ecosystems and public health. To raise awareness and share best practices, challenges and opportunities to address this pressing issue, the United Nations Environment Programme, in cooperation with the World Health Organization, the Geneva Environment Network, and other key partners, is hosting the Addressing Pharmaceuticals in the Environment through a Lifecycle Approach event series.

The series resumes this week with the launch of a new UNEP Guidance “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines — A One Health Approach for National Systems”. The guidance provides a systematic, comprehensive and multisectoral framework to support countries in strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused human and veterinary medicines. Grounded in a One Health approach, the guidance emphasizes interconnections between human health, animal health and the environment across healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceutical industry and households sectors. The event will present the key findings and recommendations of the guidance, showcase selected global, regional and national experiences, and facilitate knowledge exchange on challenges and practical approaches to implementation. It will also promote cross‑sectoral dialogue and partnerships essential for developing and strengthening national systems for the safe disposal of unused medicines. → Register on Webex to attend on 6 May 2026 from 14:00 CEST.

Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels | Key Outcomes of the Santa Marta Conference

The historic First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels, held at the end of April 2026 in Santa Marta, Colombia, brought together 57 countries, representing approximately “one-third of global fossil fuel consumption and one-fifth of global production,” to accelerate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The Conference was co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands and enriched by contributions from multiple expert chapters. Participants underscored that the global energy transition is gaining momentum, driven by rapid growth in renewable energy and investment, and is increasingly viewed as irreversible; however, significant structural challenges remain, including fiscal dependence on fossil fuels, debt constraints, and financial and trade systems still aligned with fossil fuel use.

The Conference emphasized that transitioning away from fossil fuels requires comprehensive economic transformation — encompassing energy systems, finance, trade, and industrial structures — and must be just, inclusive, and rights-based, delivering tangible benefits for workers, communities, and vulnerable groups. Key outcomes included:

The second conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels will be co-hosted by Tuvalu and Ireland in 2027, with the main conference taking place in Tuvalu and a pre-conference meeting in Ireland.
The Science Panel for the Global Energy Transition (SPGET) was launched to support countries in overcoming dependence on fossil fuels. It will do so by helping develop roadmaps aligned with the 1.5°C trajectory, aimed at dismantling legal, financial, and political barriers to the energy transition.
A coordination group was established to ensure continuity between conferences. It will bring together countries leading different alliances and initiatives, alongside Colombia, the Netherlands, Tuvalu and Ireland, and will connect with COP30 Activation Group 4 on transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner.
Ensuring complementarity with UNFCCC and existing frameworks, including maintaining momentum by transmitting the conference report to the COP30 Presidency to inform its roadmap, sharing outcomes with the UN Secretary-General, and engaging with the COP31 Presidency and future presidencies.
Channels for cooperation. Three workstreams will be established to organize efforts ahead of the second conference.
1. Work on national transition roadmaps, helping countries develop and align roadmaps with their NDCs, with the support of the NDC Partnership and the Science Panel on Global Energy Transition. It will also facilitate cooperation between countries willing to provide and receive support for implementation.
2. Work on macroeconomic dependencies and financial architecture, especially the fiscal, debt, and subsidy traps, to innovate a financial system that can support the transition. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) and Centre for Economic Policy and Research (CEPR) will support the workstream.
3. Work on producer–consumer alignment for fossil fuel transition towards building fossil fuel free trade systems by understanding how trade continues to promote extraction and how to replace this with green trade. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will support.

→ Consult the “Co-Host Takeaways on the First Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels” for the Conference Summary, the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin for coverage of the High-level Segment, and the dedicated update on Climate Action from Geneva to Santa Marta that puts a spotlight on Geneva-based organizations and their engagement in preparation for and at the Santa Marta Conference.

May 2026 | Global Observances Advancing Biodiversity Protection

May brings a series of global observances highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the need for coordinated action to protect ecosystems:

🐦 9 May – World Migratory Bird Day | Celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October – to reflect on the cyclical nature of bird migration with varying migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres, the day is an annual global campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. World Migratory Bird Day 2026, observed on 9 May and 10 October 2026, under the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” highlights the important role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) for the conservation of migratory birds. Activities taking place in Geneva and its surroundings include the counting of birds in garden, balcony or public parks:
- Oiseaux de nos jardins | From 7 to 10 May 2026 | Organized by BirdLife Suisse
  Everyone is invited to spend an hour counting the birds in their garden, from their balcony or in a public park, and to report their results.
- Oiseaux de la Champagne | 9 May 2026 | Organized by La Libellule | Centre nature de la libellule
  A guided birdwatching outing in the Geneva countryside, exploring the rich avifauna of the Champagne region. Discover local species across vineyards, fields, and hedgerows while learning about their habitats and the role of agriculture in supporting biodiversity.
- L’Aire renaturée : royaume des oiseaux | 9 May 2026 | Organized by ProNatura | Meeting at the intersection of Chemin du Pont-du-Centenaire and Chemin des Marais
  A guided nature walk along the renatured Aire River to discover the rich diversity of birdlife. Through observation and exploration, participants learn how this restored ecosystem provides habitats for many species.
🌱 12 May – International Day of Plant Health | This year’s theme, “Plant biosecurity for food security,” raises awareness on the importance of plant biosecurity, which through checking, protecting and responding, prevents dangerous plant pests and diseases from damaging crops and disrupting their trade. By safeguarding plant health, it supports food security, protects farmers’ livelihoods, facilitates smooth international trade, and helps preserve biodiversity.
🐝 20 May – World Bee Day | Celebrated each year on 20 May to raise awareness of the importance of bees as pollinators, the threats they face and their contribution to sustainable development. This year, the day is celebrated under the theme “Bee together for people and the planet,” the 2026 edition celebrates the essential role of pollinators in food systems and ecosystems.
A special Geneva celebration will take place on 27 May at the Palais des Nations, featuring expert insights, beekeeping stories, and live demonstrations. → Register to participate in person at the Palais des Nations, Building H Auditorium
🌿 22 May – International Day for Biological Diversity | With the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” this year’s observance highlights the importance of local action in achieving global biodiversity goals and implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The Geneva celebration on 22 May at the International Environment House II will bring together leading experts and stakeholders to discuss preparations for the upcoming the UN Biodiversity Conference – which will be held under the theme of “Taking Action for Nature”, and the role of inclusive, whole‑of‑society action. The event will also offer a forward-looking perspective on the priorities, vision and expected outcomes of the Conference, including through a dedicated high-level intervention by H.E. Ambassador Mher MARGARYAN, Special Envoy for the Armenian Presidency of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17), outlining ongoing preparatory efforts and key directions toward Yerevan. → Save the date and register on Eventbrite to participate in person on 22 May 2026 at the International Environment House II.
💧 4–8 May – Convention on Wetlands Standing Committee (SC67) | Taking place in Gland, Switzerland, this meeting will support ongoing international cooperation on wetland conservation.

Countdown to World Environment Day | Mobilizing Climate Action

The countdown for World Environment Day has begun, with one month to go until the largest annual global mobilization for environmental action. This year’s campaign focuses on the urgency of climate action, highlighting the signals the Earth is sending and the collective response required. Through the global call to #NowForClimate, the campaign invites governments, institutions and individuals to accelerate solutions and help steer a world already in transition.

In line with the official global celebration to be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, the traditional Geneva World Environment Day Celebration will build momentum towards the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) to be held in Antalya, Türkiye. The Geneva event will highlight multilateral Geneva’s collective efforts in advancing climate action and supporting ongoing preparations for upcoming global milestones. → Register on Eventbrite to attend on 5 June 2026 from 09:00 CEST.

Key updates on the road to World Environment Day 2026 and COP31

Climate Science: Accelerating Impacts in Europe | The European State of the Climate (ESOTC) 2025 Report, released by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on 29 April 2026, highlights intensifying climate impacts across the fastest‑warming continent:

Record of average annual temperatures across the continent, and of the second most severe heatwave on record.
Record levels for wildfire burnt area and fire emissions.
Highest recorded sea surface temperature for the European ocean region.
Continued glacier mass loss across all European regions.
Strong regional contrasts in hydrological conditions.
Renewables supplied nearly half (46.4%) of Europe’s electricity, with solar power reaching a record 12.5%.
Read the Health Policy Watch analysis of the report → Record European Heatwaves Shrink Glaciers and Diminish Snow Cover in 2025 | 29 April 2026

Climate and Health in Europe | The 2026 Lancet Countdown Europe Report on health and climate change, released in April, underscores the growing health impacts of climate change:

Climate change is already costing lives in Europe – and the health risks are accelerating | Europe is experiencing a rise in heat-related mortality, unsafe working conditions, food insecurity, and climate-sensitive infectious disease risks. Vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, low-income households and outdoor workers, are being hit first and hardest.
Europe’s fossil fuel dependence is constraining progress and undermining health | New evidence reveals that Europe’s path to a safer, healthier future is being slowed by ongoing dependence on polluting fuels. Despite Europe’s leadership in decarbonization, fossil fuels and combustion-based heating remain deeply embedded in Europe’s energy systems, leaving Europeans vulnerable to the harms of fossil fuel dependence – from polluted air to economic shocks.
Renewed momentum/leadership is required to secure a healthy future | While scientific evidence on climate and health continues to expand, levels of political, public and media engagement have declined. At the same time, climate litigation is emerging as one of the few arenas elevating the health imperative, with the International Court of Justice affirming states’ legal obligations to protect human wellbeing. Europe is still a global leader of climate action, but without renewed momentum on adaptation and mitigation, health gains will stall.

Energy Transition | The historic Santa Marta Conference on Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels concluded on 29 April 2026, highlighting progress toward sustainable energy systems, while underscoring the need for deeper economic transformation and stronger international cooperation. Read more in the dedicated point above.

Events and Engaging Opportunities

Events and engaging opportunities this week include:

The 2026 edition of Climate Week Zurich – Europe’s leading business-driven climate platform – is convening from 4 to 9 May in Zurich. Bringing together business leaders, policymakers, researchers, creatives and innovators to co-create and scale smart climate action, the city-wide event will see strong contributions from Geneva-based organizations and experts, including:
- Trade for Sustainable Development (T4SD) Forum | International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) | 7 May 2026, 10:00 – 17:30 CEST | Google Europaallee
  The event will be held under the theme ‘Boosting Technological Innovation and Trade’ and bring stakeholders together to facilitate action-oriented discussions, strengthening connections between sustainable development, technology, investment and trade. → Register to attend
- Closing the Trust Gap in Science: from Data to Public Information and AI | Earth Info Hub | 7 May 2026, 13:00 – 14:30 CEST | Uni Zurich
  This roundtable session explores how trusted climate knowledge can be made accessible, usable, and visible, and how to make the journey of data from collection to public awareness more efficient. The Earth Info Hub will present a new approach: a trusted access layer combining verified sources, expert networks, and AI to support decision-making and rebuild trust. → Register to attend
Environment, Climate, Conflict and Peacebuilding (ECCP): Environment, Peacebuilding, and Security Policy Working Group | ECCP | 5 May 2026, 16:00 – 17:00 CEST Online, Zoom
Anxiety, Anger, and Hope in High-Profile Youth Climate Litigation | Geneva Graduate Institute | 7 May 2026, 12:45 – 14:00 CEST | Maison de la paix, Room S11 and Online
Rassemblement N’enterrez pas la loi climat! | Marche Climat Genève | 7 May 2026, 16:30 CEST | Meeting at 1 rue de l’Hôtel-de-Ville

Selection of Additional Climate News

Advancing Sustainable Mineral and Metal Resource Management

The sustainability of activities related to minerals and metals continues to be at the central priority for governments and international organizations:

Last week, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Resource Management Week emphasized that resource management extends beyond supply considerations and must be addressed as a question of governance and value distribution, at the intersection of the energy transition, sustainable development, equity, inclusion and social justice. Discussions covered a broad range of issues, including just transition, gender equality and intergenerational justice, tools, best practices and sustainability standards in the mining sector, leading to several important advancements:
- To support Member States in balancing supply security, economic development, environmental sustainability, and social considerations, the UNECE Expert Group on Resource Management has prepared a draft Policy Brief on Accelerating Midstream Value Addition for Sustainable Critical Mineral Supply Chains, accompanied by two new analytical tools: the Food–Water–Energy Nexus–Oriented Criticality Assessment Tool and Midstream Readiness and Value Addition Assessment Tool (MidReVA). Both tools are grounded in the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) and aim to provide structured, practical support for evidence-based policy dialogue and strategic planning. → Read more in UNECE Press Release and in the dedicated article by Paula Dupraz-Dobias on Geneva Solutions.
- UNECE will support Central Asian countries in transforming their significant mineral endowment into a sustainable resource base through the SECURE CRM project, funded by the European Union and implemented with UNODC. By applying UNFC and UNRMS, the project will support integrated resource assessments that take into account technical confidence, economic viability, environmental and social considerations, while promoting long-term value creation. → Read more in UNECE Press Release.
The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development released a new brief “Understanding Investor-State Dispute Settlement in the Mining Sector“, highlighting investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) relevance for mining governance and the importance of strengthening regulatory clarity, contract management, and policy space while maintaining a predictable investment climate.
A new flagship report, “Critical Minerals, Water Insecurity and Injustice,” released by UNU-INWEH on 29 April presents an analysis of the fundamental contradictions at the heart of global sustainability transitions, with a particular focus on water. It examines how the extraction of critical minerals contributes directly to water insecurity, livelihood disruptions, and health risks in many of the world’s most vulnerable regions. The report argues that the critical minerals extractive industry is shaped by deep structural injustices. Without deliberate policy interventions, the current trajectory of mineral extraction risks reinforcing existing inequalities and further harming vulnerable communities and nations that derive little benefit from global energy, digital, and sustainability transitions. → Read more in UNU-INWEH Press Release.
A new article published in Resources Policy “Mapping voluntary sustainability standard systems in the mining, minerals, and metals sectors” maps 38 voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) in the mining, minerals and metals sector, highlighting their growing relevance while underscoring the need for greater coherence, coordination and alignment with international frameworks, including the OECD, UN, ILO and ISO foundations. → Find other resources on this topic by rewatching the discussions at last week’s UNECE Resource Management Week side event Navigating Global Sustainability Standards in the Mining Sector, which presented the UNEP-IGF report identifying over 100 Sustainability Standards and Initiatives operating across the minerals and metals value chains.
The article “Seabed mining needs integrity, not haste” published on Science, underscores the need for caution and robust governance frameworks in advancing deep seabed mining. While criticism has intensified regarding the pace of regulatory development by the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the scientific community has called for additional time to better assess environmental risks. Significant knowledge gaps remain, and the article emphasizes that regulatory processes should prioritize scientific evidence and environmental integrity over speed to ensure informed and responsible decision-making.
UNEP’s triennial Sand and Sustainability report series has progressively evolved from identifying the challenges associated with sand resource use in its first edition to providing stakeholder‑focused policy recommendations in its second. The third edition, “Sand and Sustainability: An Essential Resource for Nature and Development,” to be launched on 13 May as part of the Geneva Dialogues on Minerals and Metals, further highlights the strategic importance of sand for both environmental sustainability and socio‑economic development. → Register on Indico to attend the event in person.

Strengthening Governance on Chemicals and Pollution: Updates on 2026 Milestones

To address the escalating levels of chemicals, waste, and pollution and develop strengthened governance based on sound and up-to-date science, major milestones scheduled in Geneva this year include:

The first meeting of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), convened in Geneva in February and will resume at a future date. The Bureau of the ISP-CWP is meeting online this week to discuss preparations for the resumed first session of the Plenary (ISP-CWP Plenary 1.2). Membership of the Panel continues to expand, with the Republic of Hungary joining as the 131st member on 15 April 2026.
The fifteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention (BC OEWG-15) will take place from Tuesday, 23 June to Friday, 26 June 2026, with pre-meetings, including Bureau and regional meetings, taking place on Monday, 22 June. Applications to organize side events at OEWG-15 via the online application form has been extended to 11 May 2026.
The Global Framework on Chemicals, adopted in September 2023 at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), is organizing its First International Conference from 16 to 20 November 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Center. A series of events in preparation for the conference will start on 19 May 2026. The first session will offer preliminary insights into the conference agenda, partnership opportunities, and the registration process, helping participants prepare for meaningful engagement in the upcoming International Conference, with a spotlight on progress in developing indicators under the measurability framework. → To attend in person register on Indico and to attend online, register on Webex.
The 10th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Espoo Convention (MOP-10) and the 6th session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Protocol on Strategic Environment Assessment (MOP-6) are scheduled to take place from 1 to 4 December 2026. Ahead of the MOPs, key events include the 65th Session of the Implementation Committee of the Espoo Convention to be held next week and the 14th Meeting of the Working Group on EIA and SEA from 16 to 18 June 2026.
The Fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (CoP-14) will take place on 9 and 10 December 2026 in Geneva. Following the deposit of its instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General in New York on 11 March 2026, Tajikistan’s accession to the Convention will enter into force on 9 June 2026, becoming the forty-third Party to this treaty.
In the margins of the 79th World Health Assembly, various events will address action on pollution, including:
- Evidence to action: Preventing lead poisoning to save lives | WHO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and Resolve to Save Lives | 18 May, 8:00 CEST | Restaurant Vieux Bois
  Providing an overview of the forthcoming WHO Technical Package for Lead Poisoning Prevention — a comprehensive, evidence-based framework to guide countries from evidence to action.
- WHA High-Level Dialogue on Healthy Indoor Air | Air Club, Geneva Health Forum, and the French Ministry of Health | 19 May, 18:00-20:30 CEST | Campus Biotech
- The Clean Air Dividend: Investing in Health for All | NCD Alliance (NCDA) and Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) | 20 May 2026, 07:30 – 09:00 CEST | Intercontinental Hotel
- Climate Change and Respiratory Health | Geneva Health Forum, Health Diplomacy Alliance & OM Pharma | 20 May 2026, 18:00 – 20:00 CEST | Campus Biotech
- Plastics & Health: What we’re not talking about | Health Diplomacy Alliance, GEN | 21 May, 12:30-13:30 CEST | Health Diplomacy House
- WHA Official Side Event | Feeding the world while curbing antimicrobial resistance – challenges and opportunities for collaborative One Health action | Four Paws, Ontario Veterinary College, AMR Partnership Platform, Brazil, Nigeria, Sweden | 21 May, 18:00-19:30 CEST | WHO Headquarters, Salle C
- WHA Strategic Roundtable | Securing the Future: Creating a Sustainable and Equitable Ecosystem for Antimicrobial Innovation | Organized by International Pharmaceutical Students Federation, Alliance for Health Promotion, Japan, Japan Institute for Health Security, Howard Dalton Centre, University of Warwick | 22 May, 13:00–14:20 CEST | WHO Headquarters, Salle A

Middle East Conflict | Three Months of Escalation and Its Human, Environmental and Development Impacts

Three months into the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the situation continues to highlight the profound interlinkages between peace, development, human rights, and environmental protection. United Nations agencies report that disruptions to energy supplies, trade routes and humanitarian access are driving up the cost and reducing the availability of food, fuel and essential assistance for millions already in fragile situations. The crisis is contributing to rising food insecurity, with recent estimates indicating that nearly a quarter of the population in Lebanon is facing acute levels, while health systems and basic services across affected areas remain under increasing strain. At the same time, damage to infrastructure, including water and energy systems, alongside allegations of environmental harm and growing risks of pollution, are compounding long-term developmental and ecological impacts. Broader global repercussions include heightened market volatility, disruptions to supply chains and renewed geopolitical tensions, underscoring the interconnected nature of energy security, economic stability and peace. The United Nations Secretary‑General has warned that the escalating crisis could push tens of millions into poverty, exacerbate global hunger and even tip the world towards recession. In parallel, growing global tensions are also contributing to renewed concerns about the risk of nuclear escalation, particularly among younger generations.

The UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, Surya Deva, underscored the far‑reaching consequences of conflict through the launch of the campaign “Cost of Conflicts – A Plea for Peace”, calling for a fundamental course correction of the world. He emphasized that resources allocated to warfare could instead support sustainable development, noting that the expenditure by a single actor in the conflict could have financed the UN’s regular budget for 16 years. His forthcoming thematic report, “Peace for Development”, to be presented at the 2026 United Nations General Assembly, will further examine these linkages and advocate for renewed commitment to peace as a foundation for development.

Recent reports and analyses include:

Middle East crisis puts aid, food, fuel further out of reach for millions already struggling – UN agencies | UN News | 1 May 2026
Nuclear fears resurface among younger generations amid global tensions | UN News | 1 May 2026
Hormuz crisis strangling global economy, Guterres warns, demanding solutions to end stalemate | UN News | 30 April 2026
Middle East Escalation of Conflict, Global external situation report #6 | WHO | 30 April 2026
Lebanon: New IPC analysis shows conflict escalation pushing nearly a quarter of population into acute food insecurity | WFP | 29 April 2026
UNECE launches online observatory to ease the flow of goods along inland transport corridors in the Gulf | UNECE | 28 April 2026
Hormuz disruption shows why early-warning data matters | UNCTAD | 28 April 2026
Strait of Hormuz crisis: FAO Director-General outlines risks, actions and policy responses | FAO | 28 April 2026
Israel must stop using water as a weapon of collective punishment in Gaza | Doctors Without Borders | 28 April 2026
West Bank – The impact of Settler attacks | January 2023 – December 2025 | OCHA | 27 April 2026
Oil shocks ripple through plastics, but trade barriers hold back their greener alternatives | UNCTAD | 27 April 2026
‘Ecocide, urbicide, and domicide’: Bint Jbeil describes the extent of Israel’s destruction | L’Orient Today | 27 April 2026

UN80 Initiative | New Guide Clarifies Priorities, Progress and Timeline

A new guide to the UN80 Initiative, released last week, outlines the objectives and actions being undertaken, provides an overview of the progress made to date and the work planned for the coming months. The details of the guide were presented last week, at the General Assembly briefing on the UN80 proposals. Guy Ryder, the UN head of policy, explained that the new document serves as a navigational tool which clarifies when, and through which organs of the organization, decisions are expected to be taken for each work package of the initiative.

For the environment, under Work Package 27, the guide confirms “analysis and mapping are underway across four areas: science, governance, coordination and implementation. This will inform the assessment of current arrangements. Initial findings highlight fragmentation and opportunities for stronger coordination, integration and synergies to advance coherence and strengthen global environmental action at all levels. The analysis and mapping will be completed in April and the assessment by June for presentation to the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General will issue an information brief on the relevant issues arising from the assessment in September. Eventual proposals may be submitted for consideration by intergovernmental organs.” Read more at:

UN80 Initiative: Real progress made on tackling complex issues facing the UN system | UN News | 29 April 2026
UN Explores Transformative Change to Tackle Environmental Challenges | IISD | 29 April 2026
Comprehensive Guide – UN80 Initiative: Progress and Next Steps | UN80 | 27 April 2026

A recent text posted by the Swiss Mission to the UN in Geneva also highlights the important role of the Geneva Group, an informal coordination platform of 17 major contributors to the UN system, providing a space for candid dialogue on governance, budgetary discipline and institutional effectiveness. Operating outside formal negotiations, it enables Member States to exchange views, develop shared understanding and identify practical solutions to strengthen the functioning of the UN system. At a time of financial constraints and growing demands on multilateralism, the Group plays an important role in supporting UN reform efforts through sustained technical engagement, fostering cooperation, and promoting efficiency, coherence and accountability, including through Switzerland’s active participation as Host State.

Enjoying a Green Spring in Geneva

As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, our selection of ideas for enjoying a green spring in Geneva this week includes:

BiodiverCité – Screening followed by roundtable discussion | Festival Explore Demain | 4 May 2026 | Salle communale de Plainpalais
A screening of BiodiverCité Season 2, which follows residents who are transforming balconies, gardens, and urban spaces into havens for wildlife. This will be followed by a roundtable discussion with public authorities and biodiversity experts to explore how residents, policies, and urban planning can work together to protect and restore biodiversity in Geneva.
Imaginer ensemble des futurs alliant sobriété et bien-être à Genève | Festival Explore Demain | 5 May 2026 | Salle communale de Plainpalais
A participatory workshop inviting residents to imagine futures that combine well-being with “sobriety” – using fewer resources more thoughtfully while maintaining quality of life. Through collective reflection, the session explores how to live better with fewer resources while shaping sustainable lifestyles.
Vivre mieux avec moins. Oui, mais comment ? | Festival Explore Demain | 5 May 2026 | Salle communale de Plainpalais
A roundtable exploring how to “live better with less” by rethinking consumption, well-being, and social equity. Bringing together experts and practitioners, the discussion highlights concrete pathways toward more sustainable lifestyles that balance resource use, quality of life, and collective responsibility.
Conférence sur le sable avec Stéphanie Giradclos – Biennale (re)connecting.earth 2026 | 5 May 2026 | (re)connecting.earth | Salle communale de Chêne-Bougeries
As one of the world’s most consumed raw materials after water, sand is at the heart of major challenges related to urbanization and environmental change. This lecture by Stéphanie Giardclos of the University of Geneva, aims to explain why sand has become so strategic and address its extraction dynamics, ecological impacts, and the geopolitical tensions it generates.
Transformer nos quartier grâce aux potagers urbains | Festival Explore Demain | 5 May 2026 | Sicli Pavillion
A roundtable for students and real estate professionals on how urban gardens can make neighborhoods greener, more social, and resilient. It highlights how shared gardens support community ties, local food, and biodiversity.
Apiculture proche de la nature, perspectives européennes et africaines | 6 May 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
A roundtable discussion on “nature-friendly” beekeeping, bringing together European and African perspectives on apiculture. The session explores sustainable practices and the role of bees in biodiversity, highlighting both local and global challenges.
Plantes médicinales d’ici et d’ailleurs | 6 May 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
A guided tour exploring medicinal plants from Switzerland and around the world, led by botanical garden experts. Discover their healing properties, uses, and surprising equivalents across ecosystems from local species to tropical varieties.
Animation famille : Rencontres aquatiques, à la découverte des poissons du Léman | Festival Explore Demain | 6 May 2026 | Espace Léman ASL
A guided activity at Espace Léman to discover the fish of Lake Geneva, their unique characteristics, and their role in the ecosystem. Led by a specialist, the session may conclude with lakeside observation, offering a close look at species in their natural habitat.
Marcher La Ville – A l’écoute de la ville | 6 May 2026 | City of Geneva | Rendez-vous Maison de Quartier de Saint-Jean
A guided urban walk exploring how sound shapes our experience of the city. Led by an acoustician, participants learn to listen differently, reflect on noise as a public health issue, and discover the city through its soundscape.
Atelier (re)connecting.earth enfants: Explorer les ressources de la Terre | 6 May 2026 | (re)connecting.earth | La Comédie de Genève
A creative workshop for children and families to explore the natural resources that make up our everyday objects. Through drawing, assembling, and experimentation, participants are invited to imagine the origins, transformations, and future of materials in a playful, hands-on setting.
Les plantes ont-elles 5 sens ? | 6 May 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
A hands-on workshop inviting children to explore whether plants have senses like sight, touch, or smell. Through interactive activities in the botanical garden, participants discover how plants perceive and respond to their environment.
Abeilles en fête | 6 May 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
An afternoon dedicated to bees, featuring hands-on workshops, games, and honey tastings. Discover the essential role of bees in biodiversity and explore beekeeping practices from Geneva to Africa through interactive activities and discussions.
Marcher La Ville – A l’écoute de la ville | 7 May 2026 | City of Geneva | Maison de Quartier de la Jonction
A guided urban walk exploring how sound shapes our experience of the city. Led by an acoustician, participants learn to listen differently, reflect on noise as a public health issue, and discover the city through its soundscape.
Nocturnal ecological networks : how can International Geneva’s institutions take action | 7 May 2026 | 2050Today, Canton of Geneva | Campus Biotech
A workshop combining presentations and a field visit to explore Geneva’s nocturnal ecological networks and how to protect biodiversity at night. The session highlights the role institutions can play in preserving ecological connectivity and supporting nature beyond daylight hours.
Changer de regard sur l’eau – Conférence publique de Charlène Descollonges | 7 May 2026 | Office cantonal de l’eau (OCEau) | Maison de l’Avenir
A conference by Charlène Descollonges inviting a shift in how we understand and manage water. Drawing on regenerative hydrology, the talk explores how restoring natural water cycles and working with ecosystems can strengthen resilience to climate change.
Poissons du lac et pêche durable | Festival Explore Demain | 7 May 2026 | ASL | Espace Léman
As a part of the Explore Demain festival, join this activity and presentation exploring the fish of Lake Geneva, where you will be guided by specialists to discover the unique characteristics of the fish: their physical features, their lifestyles, and their role in the aquatic ecosystem.
L’appel de la forêt dans la musique genevoise | 9 May 2026 | Bibliothèques municipales de la Ville de Genève | Bibliothèque de la Cité
This musical event explores how Geneva’s forests have inspired sound and composition from the 19th century to today. Blending live music, stories, and visuals, the event offers an immersive journey into the links between nature and musical creation.
Une journée en forêt – Participation et co-construction ! | 9 May 2026 | Bibliothèques municipales de la Ville de Genève | Bibliothèque de la Cité
A creative workshop inviting participants to contribute to a collective artwork inspired by forests. Through hands-on activities, you are encouraged to express your connection to nature and share messages about the importance of preserving forest ecosystems.
Atelier : Construire les récits d’un futur désirable | 9 May 2026 | EnAct Association | Maison de l’Avenir
An interactive workshop inviting participants to question dominant narratives and co-create new stories for a desirable future. Through collective reflection and creative exercises, the session explores how shifting imaginaries can inspire meaningful action and societal change.
Incroyables orchidées genevoises | 9 May 2026 | ProNatura | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon
A guided nature outing to discover the wild orchids of Geneva in the Vallon de l’Allondon. Explore these rare and fascinating flowers in their natural habitat and learn about their ecology and diversity.
Festival Explore Demain | Until 9 May 2026 | Various Locations
Explore Demain is a participatory Geneva-based festival bringing together experts, artists, and citizens to imagine and shape a shared future. Through talks, exhibitions, workshops, and performances, it offers an immersive space to explore today’s major challenges and inspire sustainable transitions.
Marcher La Ville – Entre ciel et terre | 10 May 2026 | City of Geneva | Meeting in front of École des Cropettes
A guided walking experience combining movement, sensory awareness, and simple practices to reconnect with body and environment. Along a route from Parc Beaulieu to the heights of Geneva, participants explore attention, well-being, and contemplation in nature.
Marcher La Ville – Itinéraires des saisonniers | 10 May 2026 | City of Geneva | Place des Grottes
A guided walk retracing the history of seasonal workers in Geneva and their contribution to the city’s development. Through key sites and stories, the route highlights their living conditions, struggles, and lasting impact on urban life.
Exhibition – 40 Trees in the City of Geneva Through the Seasons | Until 31 May 2026 | Colladon Residence
A photo exhibit dedicated to the trees of Geneva, produced by the City of Geneva’s Parks and Recreation Department, that takes you on a journey through the city and helps you get to know the trees around us better.
3e édition de la Biennale de l’Art et de la Nature Urbaine – (re)connecting.earth | Until 14 June 2026 | Various Locations
The (re)connecting.earth Biennial returns with a cross-border outdoor exhibition along the Greenway of Greater Geneva, extending to Annemasse. Through artworks, workshops, and events, this edition explores “sensitive resources” and the role of natural materials, from sand to water, in shaping our daily lives and global systems.
Exhibition “Quel froid!” | Until 30 August 2026 | Maison Tavel
This exhibition explores the theme of winter in Geneva and beyond, bringing together traditions, artists’ perspectives, and visual archives. Visitors are guided through popular practices, urban scenes, and majestic landscapes, from Lake Geneva to the Alps.
Temporary Exhibition – « Jamais la nature ne nous trompe » | Until 23 December 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
Come and discover a scientific and aesthetic object that bears witness to Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s passion for nature and botany: one of his rare portable herbariums, designed to deepen knowledge of plants and awaken an interest in botany.

What (Else) to Read Next?

2.6 tons of litter were collected this weekend during Net’Léman, an initiative organized by the ASL | Association pour la sauvegarde du Léman | 3 May 2026
The 13th edition of Net’Léman took place across 10 sectors around the lake on 2-3 May 2026. It recorded a total of 2,592 kg of waste collected by more than 1,000 volunteers, including 300 divers and free divers. While the overall volume is decreasing, the results highlight a shift in pollution patterns, marked by the persistent presence of plastics and new types of waste linked to current practices.
African Transport and Energy Ministers endorse two continental policy frameworks to transform mobility across Africa | UNEP | 30 April 2026
Transport and Energy Ministers from across Africa today endorsed the Pan-African Action Plan for Active Mobility (PAAPAM) and a Continental Framework on Electric Mobility at the 5th Ordinary Session of the African Union’s Specialized Technical Committee on Transport and Energy (STC-T&E). The two frameworks aim to tackle the continent’s rising transport-related road deaths, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions by scaling investment in walking, cycling and electric vehicles.
UNECE Working Group explores role of AI and Earth Observation in strengthening environmental monitoring | UNECE | 30 April 2026
To take stock of emerging challenges and other developments in environmental monitoring, assessment and reporting, representatives of UNECE member states, the European Environment Agency (EEA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) convened for the 28^th session of the UNECE Working Group on Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (Geneva, 23-24 April 2026). Experts explored how new technologies can help process information faster, detect changes that traditional methods might miss, and free up expert time for interpretation and decision-making. Practical challenges were also addressed: good data, adequate resources and strong human oversight remain essential to making these tools work in practice
From Pack to Plate: A Global Assessment of Micro- and Nanoplastics Migrating from Food Packaging into Food | Earth Action | 22 April 2026
The findings reveal that exposure is more concentrated and more preventable than previously understood. A small number of packaging formats and stress conditions account for a disproportionate share of emissions, pointing to clear, targeted intervention opportunities for designers, manufacturers, regulators, and consumers.
Clean air in cancer control: An overview of the evidence | Union for International Cancer Control | April 2026
Air pollution is widely recognised as a major environmental risk to health. The World Health Organization estimates that 99% of the global population is exposed to air that exceeds its guideline limits for pollutants. In 2013, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified outdoor (ambient) air pollution as a Group 1 carcinogen, with a well‑established link to lung cancer. Recent IARC estimates suggest that over 434,000 lung cancer cases each year can be attributed to air pollution.