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Newsletter 15 Jun 2026

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 15 – 21 June 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 | Scores of shops and businesses in Geneva have boarded up their storefronts with wooden panels, used as platforms for public expression, ahead of the anti‑G7 protests of Sunday, 14 June. The Banque Cantonale de Genève (BCGE) commissioned a team of young graffiti artists — Graffeur Suisse, artist-painter Pro Deco GRAFFITI & Trompe l’œil — to transform the G7 barricades into a contemporary street art mural. The artwork highlights iconic symbols of Geneva and conveys a powerful message: « 𝗟𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝘅 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗱’𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗿 ! » — peace is an investment in the future.

G7 Disrupts Geneva | Navigating Geopolitical Tensions and Environmental Priorities

This week, all eyes are on the G7 Summit, hosted by France and taking place from 15 to 17 June 2026 in Évian-les-Bains, on the shores of Lake Geneva. G7 leaders, their delegations, and invited guests are arriving in Geneva before being transported across the border to the summit venue. On this occasion, the President of the Swiss Confederation, Guy Parmelin, is welcoming the G7 heads of state and government to Geneva, along with the leaders of additional invited countries. Although Switzerland has not been formally invited as a guest, President Parmelin will nevertheless take part in selected associated events.

At the G7 Environment Ministers’ meeting held on 23–24 April 2026 in Paris, participants reaffirmed their commitment to coordinated and transformative action on global environmental challenges. Two key initiatives were launched: the Nature & People Finance Alliance to scale up funding for nature protection, and the Real Estate Resilience for Prosperity Partnership (RER4P) to reduce vulnerability to natural hazards. Ministers agreed on priority actions, including strengthening the management of marine protected areas, combating illegal fishing, restoring land and ecosystems to address degradation and drought, and advancing water protection through the G7 Water Coalition. They also reviewed progress on the G7 2030 Nature Compact and endorsed continued work on resource efficiency and the circular economy, including digital product passports. → Read more in G7 Environment track Outcomes

The Summit is having an impact on Geneva and the region. The demonstration organized by the “No G7” collective brought together 20,000 protesters in Geneva on Sunday, according to the police, 60,000 according to the organizers. Temporary border controls and closures between Switzerland and France will be in place until 19 June. Local authorities advise planning journeys in advance and consulting the TPG website for updated schedules and traffic information. The public is encouraged to minimize travel and many organizations and institutions are also encouraging teleworking for non-essential staff.

Learn more at:

Environment @ 62nd Session of the Human Rights Council

The UN Human Rights Council holds its 62nd session from 15 June to 7 July 2026, kicking off its four-week session in Geneva with the opening of the session with the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. Climate change, the usual main environmental topic tackled in the June-July session, is high on the agenda of the Council with various important moments taking place this week:

  • The interactive dialogue with the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and climate change, Elisa Morgera, is scheduled to take place on 19 June from 15:00 to 17:00 CEST. She will present a report, Transforming food systems for a safe climate and health for all (A/HRC/62/44), that clarifies human rights obligations and responsibilities to transform food systems in order to effectively mitigate and adapt to climate change and respond to loss and damage. She recommends combining decarbonization, defossilization and detoxification of food systems to prevent localized and global human right harms.
  • The annual panel discussion on climate change and human rights, scheduled to take place on 19 June from 10:00 to 12:00 CEST, will focus on facilitating actionable pathways for gaining momentum in climate financing in the context of addressing the adverse impacts of climate change on the full realization of human rights for all people, and ways forward to address the challenges thereto, as well as on best practices and lessons learned.
  • The side event, Climate Change, Energy Transition and Adaptation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Rights-Based Energy Transition Frameworks, organized by Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Vietnam, IISD, Soka Gakkai, Earthjustics and GEN, will seek to provide a platform for practical and forward-looking discussions on how energy transition policies can simultaneously advance climate adaptation, resilience-building and human rights protection. The event will highlight the importance of ensuring that energy transition pathways remain equitable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of developing countries and climate-vulnerable communities. → Join the event taking place on Thursday, 18 June 2026 from 13:00 to 14:00 CEST at Palais des Nations, Concordia 1 or via the livestream on YouTube.
  • Various resolutions that address the environment are expected to be tabled at this session of the Council, including on human rights and climate change, focusing on adaptation and the realization of human rights of present and future generations. Informal consultations are expected to begin on 15 June.

Other contributions to the global environmental agenda in this session will include the following:

  • The Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises (also referred to as the Working Group on Business and Human Rights) are presenting two reports to the Council in this session:
    • A report, “Agri-business, food security and human rights” (A/HRC/62/36), that considers how States, businesses, investors and other stakeholders in the food and agribusiness sector can best design and implement sustainable and rights-based food security programmes that address food fraud and advance food justice, in line with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs).
    • An addendum, “Indigenous Peoples Free, Prior and Informed Consent, Business and Human Rights” (A/HRC/62/36/Add.2) to help States and businesses—including investors—understand and fulfill their obligations and responsibilities related to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC), in accordance with international human rights law and standards, including the UNGPs.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Elena Carolina Díaz Galán, will present the report of the former mandate holder, Olivier De Schutter, to the Council, The manufacturing of poverty (A/HRC/62/42), recalls his main findings and identifies possible ways forward. The report explains the fundamental role of anti-poverty strategies in the fight against poverty and inequalities and he introduces, as a contribution to the agenda for change, the Roadmap for Eradicating Poverty Beyond Growth (A/HRC/62/42/Add.2). This builds on the Special Rapporteur’s July 2024 report, which challenged the prevailing growth-centric development model and traditional poverty reduction strategies that have failed to deliver on their promises, and advocated for a shift to a human rights economy ‒ an economic system that places the well-being of people and the planet at the heart of economic policies, investment decisions, consumer choices, and business models, with the aim of advancing the effective realization of human rights for everyone.

→ Regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC62, side events, and further resources will be made available on our dedicated HRC62 and the environment update.

This session will also commemorate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the UN Human Rights Council. This milestone offers a timely opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Council while creating space for forward-looking analysis of its role, functioning and evolution within the broader United Nations human rights system. To mark the landmark moment this week:

In this edition we also pay tribute to the life and legacy of Professor Jean Ziegler, sociologist, former Swiss National Councillor, Professor of Sociology at the University of Geneva, the Geneva Graduate Institute and Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne University, who passed away on Wednesday, 10 June. A tireless advocate for justice and human dignity, he was the first mandate holder and architect of the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to food. Jean Ziegler showed that hunger is not destiny, but a violation of human rights. The farewell ceremony will be held at St. Peter’s Cathedral in Geneva on 18 June at 14:00 CEST and is open to all. Read more at:

Spotlight on the Impact of Climate Change in the Pacific

Climate change threatens the fulfilment of all human rights. At the same time, vulnerable groups, especially in rural settings, play a key role in enhancing climate resilience of societies and economies. The urgency for action becomes increasingly apparent. Just recently, the UN General Assembly backed the landmark advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice on countries’ obligations to curb climate change.

With climate high on the agenda of the Human Rights Council, a screening of the documentary “Stories from the Blue Frontier” is taking place on the margins of HRC62. A compelling testimony for the interlinkages between local and global action, the documentary, produced by the German Embassy in Suva, provides a voice to rural communities in Fiji on the adverse impacts of climate change they are facing. It also gives accounts on local approaches to strengthening climate resilience and the support provided through the cooperation of the Governments of Germany and Fiji. The event, organized by the Permanent Missions of Germany and Fiji to the UN Office in Geneva with the support of the Geneva Environment Network, will include a discussion of the documentary with the UN Special Rapporteur on climate change and human rights, Elisa Morgera. → Register to join in-person on 18 June 2026, 13:45 to 14:45 CEST at Palais des Nations, Room XVI (Cinema Room).

Advancing Climate Action at Bonn | COP31 Presidency Unveils Global Targets within the Action Agenda

The June Climate Meetings are set to conclude this week in Bonn, Germany, with strong participation of international Geneva experts. Among the highlights of the first week of meetings is the COP31 Türkiye Presidency launch of the new global targets as part of its Action Agenda. This includes a flagship target to raise the share of final energy demand met by electricity from just over 20% today to 35% by 2035, as well as new key targets on waste and cities. Discussions also emphasized momentum toward COP30 and COP31 with initiatives such as a Global Implementation Accelerator, strengthened national adaptation planning, and growing international alignment on halting deforestation and accelerating electrification. It underscores urgent scientific warnings that the world is nearing a permanent breach of the 1.5°C limit, alongside calls from governments, civil society, and UN leaders for faster, more ambitious action, increased climate finance, and stronger inclusion of issues such as loss and damage, human rights, and ocean protection in global climate policy. In a joint letter signed by 94 organizations from Türkiye and Australia and addressed to Minister Murat Kurum (Türkiye) and Minister Chris Bowen (Australia), civil society representatives emphasize that close cooperation between Türkiye and Australia, brings a historic opportunity to make international progress in the transition away from fossil fuels, while walking the talk domestically and paving the way to a clean future within their respective borders. → Follow the live coverage of the Earth Negotiations Bulletin and read more at:

Enhancing Compliance and Coordination under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

This week, the compliance committees under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions will be meeting at the International Environment House in Geneva. These include:

Rewatch last week’s Briefing on the Preparations for the Fifteenth Meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention (OEWG-15) and other Subsidiary Bodies under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and access the presentations made during the event to learn more.

The meetings will take place back-to-back with the fifteenth meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal (OEWG-15), convening next week at the International Conference Centre Geneva (CICG). The side events scheduled will serve as a platform for Parties and observers to share knowledge, build capacity, network, and exchange experience in the implementation of the Basel Convention. They also contribute to discussions on specific issues under consideration at OEWG-15. In-person participation is open to the registered participants in this negotiation. Side events co-hosted with the Geneva Environment Network include:

Advancing Land Restoration | Rangelands in Focus Ahead of UNCCD COP17

With up to 50% of the world’s rangelands are now degraded or at risk, threatening the global food system, harm local livelihoods, reduce biodiversity, and increase greenhouse gas emissions, the whole world is called upon to recognize and respect the world’s rangelands, as stressed by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres in a video message issued on the occasion of World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, marked annually on 17 June. This year the theme “Rangelands: Recognize. Respect. Restore” highlights the central role of the world’s rangelands in climate resilience, food and water security, biodiversity conservation and the cultural identity of pastoralist and Indigenous communities.

Following last week’s visit to Geneva of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Executive Secretary Yasmine Fouad where she engaged in closed-doors meetings, the Silk Road Caravan — a landmark journey across one of the world’s historic corridors of exchange, symbolically connecting nations from Riyadh to Ulaanbaatar in the year of UNCCD COP17 and the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists — continues its trajectory towards the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to UNCCD, convening from 17 to 28 August 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Held under the theme Restoring Land. Restoring Hope, COP17 is expected to forge solutions to the interconnected challenges of desertification, land degradation and drought, recognizing that restoring land is also essential to reducing instability, preventing displacement and strengthening human and national security in vulnerable regions. It is to be noted that accreditation for media is now open and journalists are invited to apply for accreditation via Indico.

Later this month, on 29 June, the special event Rangelands and Pastoralists at the Crossroads of International Geneva, co-convened by FAO and the Permanent Mission of Mongolia, in collaboration with other key actors, including the Geneva Environment Network, within the framework of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, will showcase how multilateral Geneva is moving forward this agenda.

Awareness and action on desertification and drought are particularly important during the current onset of a strong El Niño event, which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean, as stated by WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo and confirmed by NOAA’s National Weather Service El Niño Advisory of 11 June 2026.

Sports and the Environment | Spotlight on the FIFA World Cup 2026

As one of the world’s largest sporting events, the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico, which kicked off last week, offers a critical opportunity to advance environmental sustainability in sports. However, researchers estimate that this year’s event might be the most polluting ever. While FIFA is committed to playing its part, the climate impact of this year’s Cup had made the news:

The “Kick Big Soda Out” movement has written to FIFA president Giovanni Infantino, demanding that the federation publicly commits to ending its sponsorship agreement with the Coca-Cola Company — also estimated to be the leading plastic global polluter — and establishes a partnership policy that excludes sponsorship by ultra-processed food and beverage companies from 2030 onward. → Read the Health Policy Watch article

The weather impacts of El Niño will also be felt and are predicted to impact the ongoing World Cup, with 97 of the 104 matches facing a higher probability of encountering performance-impairing conditions. Depending on where the matches will be played, rain, downpours, or drier and warmer conditions can be expected. In a message linked to the FIFA World Cup 2026, UN Climate Change Executive Secretary Simon Stiell warned that extreme heat caused by climate change is increasingly disrupting football and everyday life around the world.

As the world comes together for the Football World Cup, WWF has launched a new campaign harnessing football’s unique ability to unite people across the world – rallying everyone to show their support for the world’s forests by joining ‘Team Forest’, a global community playing for our shared home ground. → Read more in the WWF Press Release

Sustaining Momentum for Ocean Action | Developments under the BBNJ Agreement and Upcoming Global Milestones

After a successful celebration World Oceans Day 2026 and five months after the entry into force of the High Seas Treaty or BBNJ Agreement — formally the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction — the situation of the ocean remains high on the global environmental agenda as delegates and stakeholders continue to set the foundations for a substantive first meeting of the Conference of the Parties and prepare for other important milestones, including the 31st Session of the International Seabed Authority Assembly and Council and the UN Biodiversity Conference in Yerevan, Armenia.

This week, the ocean will be discussed in various fora:

  • 11th Our Ocean Conference | 16 to 18 June 2026, with pre-conference events from 14 June | Mombasa, Kenya
    Major global conference on ocean action, finance, and governance. The event was introduced by the Permanent Representative of Kenya to the UN in Geneva at the event Life Below Water – SDG 14: Challenges Faced by Coastal Countries and Small Island Developing States.
  • Villars Symposium 2026 | 14 to 17 June 2026 | Villars Palace Hotel
    Bringing together over 150 Villars Fellows alongside the Institute’s partners, leading experts and innovators. The aim of the Symposium is to initiate the Fellows’ lifelong journey as systems leaders through interdisciplinary learning, intergenerational collaboration and exposure to real-world challenges.

On World Oceans Day, the UN released its third World Ocean Assessment, five years after the previous edition. Offering a comprehensive evaluation to date, providing Governments, institutions and the public with the evidence needed to shape coordinated, effective action, the third Assessment documents a deepening crisis, as climate change, pollution, overfishing and biodiversity loss put ocean systems under severe strain. This Assessment comes midway through the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It takes stock of what we have learned, how far we have come and what more is needed to secure a healthy, resilient ocean for current and future generations. → Rewatch the press conference and the explainer video

Additional news on the ocean include:

Call for Submissions, Awards and Contests | Upcoming Deadlines

With the environment high on the agenda of International Geneva and beyond, international processes, negotiations, and fora regularly issue calls for inputs in preparation of future reports, in support of ongoing processes, for awarding who champion for our planet, or for registering to attend upcoming sessions. A dedicated update lists calls for submissions related to the environment. Additional updates list those related to human rights mechanisms, ongoing contests and environmental awards and prizes. Upcoming deadlines not to be missed in the coming weeks include:

  • WTO Public Forum 2026 Call for Sessions Proposals | Trade in services is not just a driver of global economic growth. It is the most dynamic component of world trade. In 2026, services trade volume is projected to expand by 4.8%, significantly outpacing trade in goods. This year’s WTO Public Forum will place services at the centre of the conversation, examining their role as an engine of development, source of income, and driver of job creation and empowerment worldwide, particularly for women and young people. Proposals for Public Forum sessions can only be submitted online using this form. The deadline for submission of applications is 15 June 2026.
  • Invitation to participate in the peer review of the draft global report on collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework | In accordance with the indicative timeline for developing the global report adopted by the Conference of the Parties in annex IV of decision 16/32, the draft global report is being made available for peer review from 2 to 29 June 2026. Parties, other Governments, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations are invited to participate in the peer review of the draft global report. The draft report and review template are available here. Supplementary information relevant to the production of the global report, which is not for peer review, will be added to this page to support the peer review process. Comments should be submitted using the review template as soon as possible but no later than 29 June 2026.
  • Nagao Wetland Fund | The Nagao Wetland Fund (NWF) is a grant scheme jointly launched by the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands for conservation and wise use of all wetlands by supporting local and national actions in the Asia-Oceania region. The funding is specifically provided to projects that aim to implement the overall goals and targets of the Ramsar Strategic Plan 2025 – 2034. The application must be submitted through this form will be open until 30 June 2026. 
  • 2050Today Awards | The 2050Today Awards aim to annually reward two institutions that have signed the 2050Today Charter for the concrete implementation of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction action plan. Through this award, participating institutions can showcase their initiatives and commitment to the decarbonization of International Geneva. The 2026 applications are open until 30 June 2026.
  • Draft General Comment No. 38 on Article 22 (on the right to freedom of association) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights | The Human Rights Committee decided to develop a General Comment on article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (on the right to freedom of association) and launched a call for input to inform the preparation of the first draft. The deadline for submission is 30 June 2026.
  • Special Programme 9th Round of Applications | The Special Programme, also known as the Chemicals and Waste Management Programme, supports institutional strengthening at the national level for the sound management of chemicals and waste. The Special Programme issues periodic calls for applications for funding of projects aimed at institutional strengthening for the sound management of chemicals and waste. As part of the discussion, the Executive Board approved the arrangements for the ninth round of applications, which is open until 20 July 2026, subject to the availability of funds.

Summer Begins with the June Solstice

This week, the June solstice – when the sun travels the longest path through the sky — occurring on 21 June this year, will mark the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. The day is widely celebrated around the world. Mindful that the solstices and equinoxes symbolize the fertility of the land, agricultural and food production systems, cultural heritage, and their millenary traditions, the UN General Assembly acknowledged that the celebration of those events is an embodiment of the unity of the cultural heritage and centuries-long traditions, and further play a significant role in strengthening the ties among peoples on the basis of mutual respect and the ideals of peace and good-neighborliness. It, therefore, recognized 21 June as the International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice.

To celebrate the solstice, events include:

  • Jardins de la Jonction will host an Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) to honor the Inca tradition that associates the solstice with rebirth. The celebration will feature offerings of corn, lentils, and rice cooked over an open fire, as well as by the Arve and Rhône rivers, to express our gratitude to the surrounding nature.
  • Théâtre du Loup invites neighbours from the Arve 1 and Arve 2 accommodation centres for migrants to celebrate with an event featuring a meal, storytelling and a concert.

Additional suggestions to enjoy the end of a Green Spring and the arrival of Summer in Geneva include:

  • Rencontre Calim: Santé et alimentaire | 15 June 2026 | CALIM Collective | Maison de l’Avenir
    This conference will explore the relationship between health and food through discussions on ultra-processed foods and their impact on everyday diets. Featuring local artisan bakers from Boulangerie des Grottes, Boulangerie ô35, and Levain, the event invites participants to reflect on food production, consumption, and healthier alternatives within sustainable food systems. 
  • Table ronde “La diversité génétique et gustative dans l’alimentation” | 16 June 2026 | Association Genevoise pour la Promotion du Goût (AGPG) | Maison de l’Avenir
    This roundtable explores the importance of genetic and taste diversity in building sustainable and resilient food systems. Bringing together experts, researchers, farmers, and food professionals, the discussion will examine the role of agrobiodiversity in preserving food heritage, strengthening food security, and supporting future agricultural innovation.
  • Herbiers sous-lacustres : les secrets des plantes du Léman – Animation famille | 17 June 2026 | ASL | Espace Léman
    This family activity invites the participants to explore the fascinating world of Lake Geneva’s aquatic plants. Through an introduction to underwater plant meadows, visitors will discover the species that support the lake’s biodiversity, their ecological importance, and their role as indicators of water quality. 
  • Les Ateliers de Couture Upcycling | 17 June 2026 | MACO
    Come and discover the creative possibilities of upcycling through this sewing workshop at MACO. Participants will learn how to transform fabrics and textile scraps into practical everyday items, such as zippered pouches and accessories, while developing basic sewing skills. Open to all skill levels.
  • 25th anniversary Exhibition of Four Paws | Until 18 June 2026 | QUATTRE PATTES | Maison de Quartier de Saint Jean
    This exhibition celebrates 25 years of FOUR PAWS’ commitment to animal welfare through a collection of photographs and personal testimonies highlighting key milestones of the organization’s work. Visitors can explore the challenges and achievements of animal protection efforts in Switzerland and beyond, while gaining insights into the importance of promoting animal welfare and responsible treatment of them. 
  • Théâtre de l’Orangerie | From 17 June – 5 September 2026 | Parc La Grange
    The Théâtre de l’Orangerie returns for its summer season with a diverse programme of theatre, music, dance, exhibitions, and family-friendly performances. Taking place in the scenic setting of Parc La Grange, the festival gathers artists from a variety of disciplines, offering audiences a vibrant cultural programme during the summer. 
  • Ciné-ONU: “Lost Land” | 18 June 2026 | Permanent Mission of Germany | Cinéma Cinérama Empire
    In the continuity of the Ciné-ONU series, this screening of the movie “Lost Land” explores the right to seek safety and the realities faced by stateless populations. Told through the eyes of a child and performed largely by Rohingya actors, the film offers a moving perspective on displacement, identity, and human rights. The screening will be followed by a discussion with experts. 
  • Fête de la musique Carouge 2026 | 18 – 20 June 2026 | Ville de Carouge
    During these three days, Carouge comes alive with the sounds of the Fête de la musique, offering a diverse programme of free concerts and performances across the town. From large open-air stages to smaller venues, this festival celebrates musical creativity in a festive and welcoming atmosphere, with events designed for all ages and musical tastes. 
  • Fête de la musique | 19 – 21 June 2026 | City of Geneva | Various locations
    Since 1992, Geneva’s Fête de la musique celebrates the richness and diversity of the local music scene through a wide range of performances across the city. Gathering plenty of professional musicians, amateur artists, schools, and cultural institutions, the festival offers three days of concerts and activities for all audiences, showcasing the many talents that contribute to Geneva’s vibrant musical life. 
  • L’été au jardin 2026 | From 20 June to 30 August 2026 | Alpine Botanical Garden of Meyrin
    Taking place at the Alpine Botanical Garden of Meyrin, L’été au Jardin offers a diverse programme of free cultural, artistic, and botanical activities throughout the summer. Combining exhibitions, workshops, guided walks, conferences, and family events, the programme invites participants of all ages to explore nature, creativity, and biodiversity in a unique outdoor setting. 
  • Bicycle Workshop at Uni Mail’s Self-repair Station | 20 June 2026 | La Bicyclette Bleue | Uni Mail
    Organized by La Bicyclette Bleue, this workshop offers cyclists the opportunity to develop basic bicycle maintenance and repair techniques in a collaborative setting. Participants can access tools, spare parts, and guidance from experienced volunteers while working on their own bikes. By helping participants maintain their own bicycles, the workshop supports more affordable and long-lasting cycling practices. 
  • Bike Saturdays | 20 June 2026 | Pro Vélo | Rassemblement à l’école de l’étang
    This community cycling event encourages the residents of all ages to explore Vernier by bike while improving their cycling skills. The programme includes a guided bike tour focusing on the town’s unique architecture, as well as beginner and intermediate cycling lessons designed to promote sustainable mobility and build confidence.
  • L’eau en mouvement dans le territoire Lémanique : comprendre la notion de bassin versant | 20 June 2026 | ASL | Séchex
    This field excursion explores the concept of watersheds and the movement of water across the Lake Geneva region. Participants will learn how rivers, streams, and landscapes are connected within a shared water system, and why understanding these natural processes is essential for protecting freshwater resources and local ecosystems. 
  • Solstice d’été banquet et concert | 20 June 2026 | Théâtre du Loup
    To celebrate the arrival of summer and the solstice, Théâtre du Loup invites the public to an evening of food, storytelling, and music in collaboration with residents of the Arve 1 and Arve 2 migrant accommodation centres. The event wants to foster dialogue, cultural exchange, and community through a festive and welcoming atmosphere. 
  • 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
    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 
  • Exhibition “Art et évolution” | Until 31 January 2027 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    Through the Jardin Botanique’s scientific collections, visitors will be invited to discover how plants and fungi have evolved over time and how biodiversity can be interpreted through an artistic perspective. The exhibition highlights the importance of understanding and preserving living ecosystems while fostering dialogue between science and society. 

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Critical minerals are reshaping global trade as demand surges | UNCTAD | 12 June 2026
    The June 2026 edition of UN Trade and Development’s Global Trade Update examines how governments are responding as demand rises for minerals that are essential to electric vehicles, battery storage, renewable energy technologies, semiconductors and data centres.
  • Blue Planet Awards 2026 Winners | Asahi Glass Foundation | 10 June 2026
    The laureates of the 35th Blue Planet Prize have been announced. The two winners are Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum (USA), Former Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and Former Director of the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and Professor Edward Barbier (USA) Distinguished University Professor at the Department of Economics, Colorado State University. The commemorative lectures by the laureates will be held at the Tokyo Shoken Kaikan on 29 October 2026 and at the Kyoto International Community House on 31 October 2026.
  • Who buys Rwanda’s smuggled coltan? The global journey of conflict coltan from DRC to the world’s electronics | Global Witness |
    These looted minerals come from mines in Rubaya in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which produce 15% of the world’s tantalum, a key ingredient for electronic products found in smartphones, laptops and cars around the world. The Rubaya mines have become a main revenue source for M23’s brutal warfare in DRC. Seizing vast areas of territory, the armed group backed by Rwanda’s military has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, abducting and torturing with impunity.
  • Reflecting on the global report on progress in the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework | Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) | 9 June 2026
    The freshly released draft of the global report on collective progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which is open for peer review until 29 June 2026, offers an in-depth look at how far the world has gone in the collective race to achieve the 23 targets by 2030. The report draws upon information contained in the record number of the 7th national reports that the Secretariat of the CBD received from Parties earlier this year. The analysis also covers information submitted through post-COP 15 National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) — i.e. NBSAPs aligned with the KMGBF — and sets of national targets reflecting how countries have translated the Framework’s global targets into pursuits of their own.
  • 2030 Agenda: Confederation, cantons, communes, business, academia and civil society discuss its effective implementation | The Federal Council: The portal of the Swiss government | 9 June 2026
    How can the 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) be effectively advanced in Switzerland? This question was the focus of an event held in Bern on 9 June 2026, organized by the FDFA’s Prosperity and Sustainability Division, which included representatives from the cantons, communes, business, academia, civil society and the federal government. They had all contributed to Switzerland’s country report on the 2030 Agenda, which was adopted by the Federal Council on 13 May 2026.
  • One year, three COPs: what businesses need to know | Business for Nature | 9 June 2026
    Together, the three COPs shape the global response to three interconnected crises, and increasingly, a single economic transition. This is not a year for setting new ambitions. It’s a shift to delivery, accountability, and real-world implementation. Governments must turn global goals – from the Paris Agreement to the Global Biodiversity Framework and land restoration targets – into policies, finance and accountability. These decisions directly shape markets. For businesses, this creates both risks and opportunities; there’s a clear need to engage.
  • Protecting Environmental Rights Defenders Is Key to Giving Communities a Voice | Sharan Srinivas, Just Security | 9 June 2026
    Environmental human rights defenders, often volunteers and community leaders, are organizing for the right to a healthy environment and a say in decisions that shape their lives. Protecting them is a political choice and key to ensuring that this agenda, which advances participatory democracy, reduces inequality and upholds basic human rights, succeeds.
  • 2025 Nuclear Weapons Spending Reaches $119 billion | ICAN | 9 June 2026
    According to new research released by ICAN, in 2025, the nine nuclear-armed states spent $16.8 billion (19%) more on their nuclear arsenals than the year before, a total of $119 billion, or $3,768 per second on nuclear weapons.
  • Rethinking materials and systems: UN highlights pathways to more sustainable fashion | UNECE | 9 June 2026
    Meaningful transformation begins at the raw material level and must remain a priority throughout the entire product life cycle. Only sustainable materials can be meaningfully recycled and contribute to circularity. Stronger standards, improved traceability, and responsible sourcing are nonnegotiable to advance critical climate and social goals. Nature-based solutions, particularly latest generation forest-based fibres offer a sustainable alternative when sourced under rigorously sustainable conditions. 

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