Rethinking UN Financing in the UN80 Context: A Spotlight on Pollution

This event aims to introduce the emerging UN-system discussion on innovative resource mobilization in the context of the UN80 Initiative, while showcasing practical examples from across the United Nations and the wider multilateral system. It will explore both the opportunities and challenges associated with applying innovative financing approaches to environmental protection and pollution management, highlighting the Transforming to Cleaner and Greener Strategy as a concrete example of an innovation currently under development, with a spotlight on pollution. The event is convened by the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Secretariat) and United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR), in collaboration with the Geneva Environment Network. 

Targeted audience: UN agencies, international organizations and other interested stakeholders from across International Geneva, as well as a wider audience through online participation and recording

About this Event

The United Nations is currently facing significant financial pressures that extend beyond a short-term liquidity challenge. These pressures underscore the need to strengthen the Organization’s financial sustainability and its ability to deliver on increasingly complex mandates in a rapidly evolving global financing landscape.

The UN80 Initiative provides a timely opportunity to look beyond efficiencies and cost reductions and examine how the UN system can diversify and strengthen its funding base, improve the predictability and reliability of resources, make more strategic use of limited public funds, and develop innovative approaches to financing its work.

Taking advantage of the visit to Geneva of Michael Franczak, Senior Researcher at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research and lead of the Global Governance Innovation Platform’s Hub for Innovative Resource Mobilization, this session will bring the ongoing UN-wide discussion to International Geneva. Designed as an accessible awareness-raising and exchange event rather than a technical workshop, it aims to engage colleagues interested in understanding how innovative resource mobilization can support the work of the United Nations in practice.

Particular attention will be given to environment and pollution financing, including the Transforming to Cleaner and Greener (TCG) Strategy of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat as an example of an innovative financing approach currently under development.

Speakers

Additional speakers to be confirmed.

Rolph PAYET

Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Michael FRANCZAK

Senior Researcher, United Nations University Centre for Policy Research

Frank MOSER

Head, Programme Resources and Oversight Unit, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat

Pilar PEDRINELLI

REP Fund Lead, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Marijana TODOROVIC

Associate Programme Officer, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat | Moderator

Registration

In-Person Participation

This event will take place at the International Environment House. To attend, kindly register on Indico.

Online Participation

To attend online, kindly register on Webex.

Video

Links

UN80 Initiative and the Environmental Pillar Dimension
The UN is reinventing its finances — and it’s a better bet than you think | David Passarelli and Michael Franczak | UNU CPR | 28 August 2026

Photo Credits

The U.N. General Assembly hall during a ceremony to commemorate United Nations Charter Day, as the organization advances its UN80 reform and works to strengthen its financial future. UN Photo / Mark Garten