Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 12 – 18 April 2021

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter includes the latest information on the global environmental agenda, main events, job vacancies, learning opportunities, as well as other useful resources and updates. During the COVID-19 pandemic, some live events organized by organizations around the world, contributing to the global environmental agenda, have also been included. Stay tuned and follow us also on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Due to the developments in the sanitary situation, most institutions in Geneva continue operating virtually. Our update on COVID-19 and the environment lists relevant information, research, data, and press releases on the environmental origins and impacts of the pandemic.

Nature-based Solutions at IUCN Global Youth Summit

After a powerful kickoff last week, the IUCN Global Youth Summit continues to empower young people and bridge generations through an inspiring programme of workshops and events. The Global Youth Summit defines “youth” as those aged 18 to 35. However, in order to allow for meaningful intergenerational collaboration and exchanges, people of all ages are welcome to participate.

Nature-based Solutions (NbS) will be on the agenda this week:

No time for talk, time for action ! | Q&A session on NbS | 12 April 2021, 14.00 – 15.00 CEST
Nature-based Solutions or Nature-based Excuses? | 15 April 2021, 17.00 – 19.00 CEST

If these events spike your interest for NbS and their potential to address environmental and societal challenges, join us and IUCN for the Geneva Nature-based Solutions Dialogues, a one-year journey to shed light on the relevance of NbS to the debates ongoing in International Geneva and beyond. More information on NbS is also available in our update on the topic.

Environmental Peacebuilding in Geneva

The Geneva Peacebuilding Platform is holding its monthly meeting on 13 April 2021 as part of the Geneva Dialogue on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace (ECCP). This meeting will discuss & brainstorm ideas for the White Paper on the Future of Environmental Peacebuilding – a collaborative, multi-author project which outlines a vision for the future of environmental peacebuilding. Interested stakeholders are invited to submit contributions to this paper by 16 April 2021.

Contributions on environmental peacebuilding are also welcomed in the following initiatives:

Second International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding (Geneva, February 2022): submit your proposal for presentations, panels, roundtables, and posters to be delivered at the conference by 15 April.
Report on the environmental peacebuilding applications of digital and frontier technologies by UNEP and partners: submit your abstract by the extended deadline of 30 April.

Our update provides more information on the Road to Geneva – an inclusive and consultative process to elevate and diversify voices in environmental peacebuilding, and to learn from regional insights in the run-up to the Second International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding.

What (Else) Should I Read Next?

“A champion for the environment” | WWF | 9 April 2021
WWF statement on the death of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
Informal Dialogue on Plastics Pollution kicks off again | WTO | 29 March 2021
Outcomes of the Informal Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade, which focused on enhancing transparency and international cooperation to address plastic pollution.
Plastic pollution disproportionately hitting marginalized groups, UN environment report finds | UN News | 30 March 2021
New UNEP report exploring the environmental justice impacts of plastic pollution and calling for urgent action to restore access to human rights, health and well-being for all.
Multilateral Development Banks Analysis | Energy Policy Tracker | 31 March 2021
Analysis of the commitments of multilateral development banks in energy projects during the pandemic, highlighting that at least $13.15 billion have been invested to support clean energy.
Restoring trust and inspiring hope – The next five years for the United Nations | António Guterres | 23 March 2021
Vision statement by current Secretary General António Guterres as a candidate for the 2022-2026 mandate, painting the picture of the challenges and opportunities laying ahead.
A Long Food Movement: Transforming Food Systems by 2045 | International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems | 30 March 2021
New report sketching different scenarios for the future of food systems, where “agribusiness-as-usual” shows stark contrast with the potential achievements of a transformation lead by civil society from the ground up.
Making Peace With Nature and Delivering on the SDGs in the Mediterranean | GEN | 8 April 2021
Outcomes of the discussion convened by UNEP/MAP-Barcelona Convention and GEN on the future of the Mediterranean, highlighting the crucial opportunities for a green renaissance in the region.