Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 12 – 18 January 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, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | The exhibition “Quel froid!“, on view at Maison Tavel until 30 August 2026, 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. © UNEP/GEN, January 2026.

Preparing for the Inaugural Plenary of the ISP-CWP

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP), a new independent intergovernmental body established in June 2025 in Punta del Este, Uruguay, aims to bridge science and policy by assessing and sharing scientific knowledge and information, identifying evidence-based actionable policy options, and catalyzing solutions through a strengthened science-policy interface to address the growing global challenges related to chemicals, waste, and pollution. The ISP-CWP will meet for the first session of its Plenary (ISP-CWP P1), from 2 to 6 February 2026 at the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG), preceded by regional and stakeholder meetings on 1 February 2026. → Read more in our dedicated update

To provide information about the first Plenary session, address key questions, and foster dialogue to ensure inclusive and informed participation, the ISP-CWP Secretariat, in collaboration with the Geneva Environment Network, is organizing the “Road to the First ISP-CWP Plenary Session” series of events. The series will conclude this week with a Briefing on the Preparations. → Register on Indico to participate in person at the International Environment House or on Webex to participate online to the event taking place on 14 January 2025 from 14:00 to 15:30 CET.

This week, other events held in preparation for ISP-CWP P1 include:

Regional Webinar for the ISP-CWP for Effective Stakeholder Engagement – Asia Pacific Region | 13 January 2026 | 08:00 – 09:30 CET | Organized by UNITAR and Switzerland
Engagement efficace des parties prenantes pour l’ISP-CWP — Afrique (région francophone) | 13 January 2026 | 13:00 – 14:30 CET | Organized by UNITAR and Switzerland

Entry into Force of the High Seas Treaty

In September 2025, the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction — BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, reached the threshold of 60 ratifications, triggering its entry into force on 17 January 2026. The Agreement provides a global framework to advance marine biodiversity conservation and support international goals, including the protection of 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030 under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Since then, further ratifications have brought the total number of Parties to 81. To mark this historic moment:

The High Seas Alliance will host a Celebratory Virtual Reception on 19 January 2026 at 15:00 CET featuring high-level voices, personal reflections, and creative ocean celebrations, building momentum towards universal ratification and strong implementation ahead of BBNJ CoP1.
In Geneva, the Permanent Mission of Portugal is convening the event “The Role of Multilateralism for Ocean Preservation: A Geneva Perspective” looking at trade-related aspects, with UNCTAD, WTO and WIPO, on 16 January 2026, from 11:00 to 13:00 CET, at Palais des Nations, Room Concordia 1.

Numerous institutions in International Geneva are actively engaged in protecting and restoring the oceans, advancing science and data, and promoting a sustainable blue economy, recognizing the ocean as a common heritage. These efforts are highlighted in our update Action for the Ocean in International Geneva. Valuing the ocean as a common heritage rather than its natural resources only as commodities is also critical for the protection of all human rights, including the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, as underscored in the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to a Healthy Environment to the 58th session of the Council. Our dedicated update The Ocean, Human Rights, and the Role of Geneva explores this issue.

Committed to Continue Carrying Out Mandates with Determination

The United States’ intention to withdraw from a number of UN and non-UN bodies, announced last week, targets programmes and initiatives focusing on a wide range of crucial areas, including the environment. This was underscored by the UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, in his briefing to correspondents in New York following the release of the White House Memorandum. He insisted that the Organization will continue to carry out its mandates from Member States “with determination.” Various institutions listed in the memorandum have reacted, including:

What the US withdrawal from UN bodies could mean for climate, trade and development | UN News | 9 January 2026
UN’s ‘responsibility to deliver’ will not waver, after US announces withdrawal from dozens of international organizations | UN News | 8 January 2026
IPCC Statement on the US announcement to withdraw from participation in IPCC | IPCC | 8 January 2026
United States’ Announced Intention to Withdraw from Participation in IPBES | IPBES | 8 January 2026
Step back from climate cooperation will hurt U.S. economy: Statement from UN Climate Chief on U.S. withdrawal from UNFCCC | UNFCCC | 8 January 2026
IRENA Comments on United States’ Announcement to Withdraw – Statement by the Director-General | IRENA | 8 January 2026

Championing for the Earth

Environmental awards and prizes play a central role in recognizing and amplifying the work of individuals and institutions shaping a more sustainable future. Every year, these awards celebrate achievements across diplomacy, science, youth engagement, innovation, and environmental justice while reminding the world of the urgent need for collective action in addressing the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. → Consult our dedicated update that provides an overview of global flagship awards, thematic environmental prizes, and Swiss-based awards recognizing the champions working towards a healthier, more resilient and just planet. Important updates and upcoming deadlines for awards include:

The Zayed Sustainability Prize, UAE’s global award that recognizes and rewards small to medium sized enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and global high schools with impactful, innovative, and inspiring sustainable solutions, will announce its winners for 2026 on 13 January 2026.
The Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often referred to as the “green Nobel Prize”, recognizes individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to understanding and safeguarding our planet, as well as advancing solutions to critical environmental challenges. The 2026 Tyler Prize Laureate will be announced on 14 January 2026.
The Keeling Curve Prize (KCP) recognizes and supports innovative climate solutions that aim to bend the Keeling Curve downward, ultimately reducing the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and other greenhouse gases, The prize acknowledges projects and initiatives from around the globe that are making significant strides in addressing climate change, promoting sustainability, and advancing decarbonization efforts. Applications for the 2026 Keeling Curve Prize can be submitted through the online form by 15 January 2026.
The Right Livelihood Awards — often referred to as the “Alternative Nobel Prize” — honors individuals and organizations offering practical, courageous and long-term solutions to the world’s most urgent problems, from environmental protection and climate justice to human rights, peace, sustainable development and social justice. Nominations for the Right Livelihood Award are open to the public and can be submitted through the online form below by 16 January 2026.

Enjoying a Green Winter in Geneva

During the cold winter days, Geneva offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy your free time indoors or in heated outdoors. This week, suggestions to enjoy a Green Winter in Geneva include:

In Bocca Al Lupo | From 14 to 18 January 2026 | Comédie de Genève
The result of field research, meetings with those affected by the return of the wolf—farmers, shepherds, scientists, political authorities, wildlife officers, associations, journalists—and night watches over herds of cows and sheep, In bocca al lupo reveals on stage the sensitive and invisible cartography of overlapping territories: those of humans, animals, and customs.
Conference – Oriental Gardens | 15 January 2026 | City of Geneva | Espace de quartier Pâquis
Learn about the Islamic palatial gardens, cultural influences and the circulation of models between civilizations. Through the analysis of texts, remains and craftmanship, Marine Blaire examines their functions’ uses and symbolic meanings.
Conference by Xu Tiantian | 15 January 2026 | Fondation Pavillon Sicli | Pavillon Sicli
Xu Tiantian is an internationally recognized architect known for revitalizing rural China through community-based and culturally rooted projects. Her concept of “architectural acupuncture” uses small, precise interventions to preserve landscapes and heritage. Since 2013, her work in Songyang has led to over 20 landmark projects, driving sustainable rural renewal through local collaboration.
Geneva Lux Festival | 16 January – 1 February 2026 | City of Geneva
Geneva Lux is a free light festival that has been illuminating the city of Geneva for twelve years during winter. It attracts a diverse audience of locals, families, commuters, and tourists. This year’s edition expands into the Old Town, featuring around twenty artworks and performances. New site-specific creations offer a unique immersive experience.
Give us Back the Beauty, Exhibition by Bernard Garo | Until 6 February 2026 | Galerie Renaissance
This exhibition brings together recent paintings on paper, works created on 19th-century Dufour topographic maps, and large-scale photographic compositions capturing glaciers in transition. Together, they trace a visual and emotional cartography of the planet’s changing ice — from serenity and energy to fragmentation and disappearance.
Libre comme le Rhône – de Robert Hainard | Until 29 March 2026 | Quartier Libre
The exhibition invites visitors to travel back in time along the river, from the last wild landscapes before the major developments of the Rhône to the major energy decisions taken during the 20th century, right up to the emergence of environmental awareness. This exhibition shows how, in a small cantonal area, electricity needs, landscape transformations, and the desire to protect nature have intertwined.
Exhibition “Quel froid!” | Until 30 August 2026 | Maison Tavel
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.

What (Else) to Read Next?

CAN Statement Related to the Arrest of Harjeet Singh | CAN International | 8 January 2025
Climate Action Network (CAN) has noted with concern the recent arrest of Mr Harjeet Singh. It welcomes his subsequent release based on consideration of the merits of the case.
WMO will announce 2025 global temperature figure | WMO | 8 January 2025
WMO will release global temperature figures for 2025 on 14 January 2026, consolidating multiple international datasets to provide a single, authoritative source of information to support climate monitoring and decision-making.
The Ocean Has Finally Entered the Global Climate Debate | Kilaparti Ramakrishna | Project Syndicate | 6 January 2026
The world has started to recognize that the climate’s fate depends on what happens to the ocean. At COP30, ocean-based solutions attracted significant attention and investment, but much more must be done to establish the governance structures required for safeguarding this critical planetary system.
Introducing the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA) | UNEP-WCMC | January 2026
Protected Planet has merged two of their key databases – the World Database on Protected Areas (WDPA) and the World Database on Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (WD-OECM) – into a single database: the World Database on Protected and Conserved Areas (WDPCA). The WDPCA is an important evolution in the way Protected Planet brings together and makes data available to the world.
If you are back at work this week, check our newsletter for 5 January for a list of negotiations and meetings not to be missed this year.