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Newsletter 26 Oct 2026

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 26 October – 1 November 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 | A non-exhaustive snapshot of events from last week at Palais des Nations and the International Environment House, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance the global environmental governance agenda. © UNEP/GEN & UN Photo/Elma Okic.

Investing in a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste | Road to GFC IC1

Member States have adopted agreements that set common goals and targets to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, including the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste (GFC), adopted in Bonn in September 2023 and supported by a Secretariat hosted in Geneva. This Framework provides a roadmap to ensure chemicals are managed safely and sustainably throughout their life cycle. With five strategic objectives and 28 targets, the Framework brings together governments, industry, civil society, academia and youth to advance a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste.

With just three weeks to go to before the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals, taking place in Geneva from 16 to 20 November 2026, the GFC Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network are hosting the final event in their “Road to the Conference” series: “Investing for Impact for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste“. Building on the discussions from the 4th Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability on Finance for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste, the session will explore how financial resources can be better mobilized and aligned to support implementation of the GFC and deliver greater impact. It will also provide an overview of the Conference’s key priorities, including discussions on the future of the GFC Fund, the long-term sustainability of the Secretariat, and opportunities to engage during the conference week. → Register on Indicoto join the event in person at the International Environment House I, or register on Webex to join online, on Tuesday 27 October 2026 from 14:00 to 15:30 CET.

Various events taking place ahead of the First International Conference will help advance discussions on issues at the heart of the GFC agenda, including:

UNTOC COP13 Marks a Historic Step Toward a Global Protocol on Environmental Crime

The 13th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC COP13) concluded last Friday, with the adoption of various resolutions, including a landmark decision to launch negotiations on a potential new Protocol on crimes that affect the environment, aimed at strengthening the global response to the illicit trafficking of wildlife, timber, minerals, precious metals and waste. The initiative reflects growing recognition of the strong links between environmental crime and organized criminal networks, as well as their impacts on communities, economies and ecosystems.

The milestone has been widely welcomed by governments, international organizations and civil society. Reactions include:

This week in Geneva, the GCSP will host a Geneva Security Debate on Prosecuting International Environmental Crimes, on 27 October from 12:30 to 14:00 CET. Organized in partnership with the UCLA’s Promise Institute Europe, the event will explore key findings from the recently published Manual on Prosecuting International Environmental Crimes, which will be presented and made available to participants.

UN Biodiversity Conference Spotlight | Key Events and Emerging Outcomes

Attention remains focused on Yerevan, Armenia, where the UN Biodiversity Conference, under the theme “Taking Action for Nature”, enters its final week and is expected to conclude on 30 October 2026. On 27-28 October 2026, the Government of Armenia will convene the Ministerial Segment, bringing together ministers and high-level representatives to strengthen political momentum for implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and advancing decisions expected from the Conference. → Follow developments through the COP17 Armenian Presidency Website, the Earth Negotiations Bulletin, CBD Secretariat’s daily updates and UN Web TV.

International Geneva at COP17

There is a strong multilateral Geneva presence at the Conference, playing a role across negotiations, dialogues and side events. Highlights this week include:

  • Human Rights and Biodiversity Day | 26 October 2026, Host Country Pavilion | Featuring the Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño in several sessions.
  • Mountain Ecosystems Day | 26 October 2026, GBF Pavilion | Including the launch of the Yerevan Platform on Mountain and Freshwater Ecosystems, to address melting glaciers, recent natural disasters, drying water bodies and loss of endemic species.
  • Finance and Biodiversity Day | 26 October 2026, Blue Zone, Room CG3 | Focusing on nature-positive investment and implementation of the KMGBF. Shaped by recent private sector dialogues with contributions from UNEP FI.
  • Women’s Forum | 27 October 2026, Blue Zone | Forum aims to promote the implementation of the Gender Action Plan and advance gender-responsive biodiversity action.
  • Restoration Day | 29 October 2026, GBF Pavilion | Organized in the framework of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, includes the launch the first-ever Restoration Progress Report – Nature’s Comeback, and the recognition of five new UN World Restoration Flagships.
  • Judges Day | 29 October 2026, Meridian Expo and Event Center | Exploring how global biodiversity commitments can be embedded and enforced through national legal systems.
  • Expected announcements include new funding for the Global Fund on Coral Reefs and additional support for implementation under the Kunming Biodiversity Fund.
  • → Track international Geneva contributions in the dedicated “From Geneva to Yerevan” update.

Emerging Outcomes from Week One

The first week of COP17 has already generated a range of new initiatives, strategies and knowledge products supporting global biodiversity action.

Initiatives launched include:

Reports released include:

Additional coverage this week highlights biodiversity finance, ecosystem restoration, Indigenous Peoples’ leadership, circular economy solutions, and growing concerns over the future of coral reef ecosystems:

Two Weeks to the UN Climate Conference | Emissions Overshoot, El Niño Risks and Key Developments

With two weeks remaining until the 2026 UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), new scientific assessments, policy reports, and stakeholder initiatives continue to inform governments and negotiators on the state of the climate and priorities for action. Recent developments highlight the growing urgency of emissions reductions, climate adaptation, finance, energy transitions, and international cooperation.

UNEP Emissions Gap Report 2026

Released last week, UNEP’s “Emissions Gap Report 2026: The point of return – Urgent emissions cuts needed to come back from overshoot of 1.5°C” concludes that limiting warming to 1.5°C without overshoot is no longer feasible. However, a return to 1.5°C by the end of the century remains possible under a “lowest-overshoot” pathway, requiring global greenhouse gas emissions to fall by 18% by 2030, 45% by 2035 and 69% by 2040 relative to 2025 levels.

Reactions to the report include:

El Niño and Humanitarian Risks

The World Meteorological Organization released a new seasonal climate outlook warning that the current El Niño event could be unprecedented in strength – literally off the monitoring charts that we have used for the past four decades. The latest Global Seasonal Climate Update forecasts that sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific – the epicentre of El Niño – may rise to 3.8°C above average during November 2026 to January 2027. El Niño will peak towards the end of 2026, and its impacts will be felt long after that. At a joint press briefing, the heads of WMO and UN Office for Humanitarian Action (UN OCHA) warned that the current El Niño may be among the strongest ever recorded, with potentially severe impacts on food security, water resources and extreme weather worldwide. They stressed that early action and preparedness can still prevent humanitarian crises and save lives. The IFRC also urges the adoption of territory-specific strategies that address the impacts of drought, extreme heat, wildfires, and floods — events that could be further exacerbated by the compound effects of El Niño and the climate crisis.

Read more at:

Events this Week

Geneva’s climate community continues to convene experts and practitioners around key climate and sustainability challenges. Events taking place this week include:

  • Advancing Health and Climate Outcomes through Cross-Sector Collaboration | Organized by the ATACH Community | 26 October, 22:00-23:00 CET or 27 October 2026, 8:00–9:00 CET (online)
    The links between climate and health create unique opportunities to advance outcomes in climate change mitigation, adaptation, and development across sectors. Through cross-sectoral collaboration, countries can maximize the health benefits of climate action while building more resilient, sustainable communities and health systems. With dynamic and resilient health systems serving as one of ten interconnected priorities of the COP31 Presidency’s Action Agenda and clear connections between health and the other Action Agenda priorities, this “Implementation COP” presents a key opportunity to demonstrate ambition through health-centered implementation. This webinar will convene countries and partner organizations to examine what is needed to drive cross-sectoral collaboration on health and climate outcomes and move from planning to implementation.
  • Sixth WMO AI Webinar – AI for Weather and Climate Services | Organized by WMO | 28 October 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 CET
    The event will explore how National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are translating artificial intelligence from promising models into operational weather and climate services. Through case studies from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), speakers will share practical lessons on building the data, infrastructure, expertise and institutional capacities needed for sustainable AI adoption, as well as the role of AI in enhancing forecasting, climate intelligence, preparedness and resilience.
  • Heat Stress, Jobs and Productivity: New Evidence from Six Countries | Organized by the ILO | 29 October 2026, 12:00–14:00 CET (online)
    Heat stress is an increasingly significant challenge for the world of work, posing risks to workers’ safety and health, reducing productivity and affecting businesses and the wider economy, as well as society. The International Labour Organization (ILO), with support from the Climate Vulnerable Forum and the Vulnerable 20 Finance Ministers (CVF–V20) and with funding provided through the CVF–V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund, commissioned a series of country studies examining the impacts of heat stress on jobs and productivity in Ethiopia, Ghana, Lebanon, Maldives, Senegal and Sri Lanka. Authored by Prof. Andreas D. Flouris and his team at the University of Thessaly, Greece, the studies link climate projections, labour market data and economic modelling to assess the current and future impacts of heat stress on employment, occupational safety and health and productivity. The event will present the findings of the studies and provide an opportunity for policymakers, employers’ and workers’ organizations and other stakeholders to reflect on the growing impacts of heat stress on the world of work and explore measures to address them. → Watch on UN TV

Upcoming Report Launches

Ahead of COP31, several key climate publications are expected this week, including:

  • WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin and WMO State of Climate Update for COP31 | Ahead of COP31, WMO will launch key annual reports providing negotiators with the latest scientific information on the climate. → Join the launch press conference on 27 October 2026.
  • 10th Lancet Countdown Report on Health and Climate Change 2026 | Published annually, the Lancet Countdown on Health and Climate Change is an international, multidisciplinary collaboration, providing an independent assessment of the delivery of commitments made by governments worldwide under the Paris Agreement, by monitoring key indicators across health and climate change. As part of the University College London (UCL) bicentenary year, the Lancet Countdown and UCL Grand Challenges (Climate Crisis) are convening on 28 October 2026 a half-day Health and Climate Change Conference 2026 in London, featuring the launch of the report.

Other Climate Developments

As preparations for COP31 intensify, recent developments have highlighted progress and challenges across climate governance, adaptation, finance, and science. Key updates include new initiatives by the COP31 Presidency, developments in the Loss and Damage Fund, growing concerns over extreme heat, and ongoing discussions about the future direction of IPCC assessments. Read more at:

Contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference | Advancing Water for Peace Across the Six Interactive Dialogues

The 23rd Meeting of the Group of Friends on Water and Peace will take place on 30 October from 11:00 to 12:30 at the Club suisse de la presse (CSP). Under the theme “International Geneva’s Contribution to the 2026 UN Water Conference: Advancing Water for Peace Across the Six Interactive Dialogues,” the meeting will provide an opportunity to present the policy brief, and gather reflections from Member States on how International Geneva can contribute to the Conference’s outcomes. Representatives from the peacebuilding, humanitarian and human rights communities will also share perspectives on the report’s recommendations and highlight the added value of Geneva’s unique ecosystem in advancing global water governance and integrating peace considerations into water discussions.

Advancing the Human Rights and Environment Agenda

40 Years of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development

The Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development is convening at Palais des Nations its 14th session from 26–28 October 2026, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the UN Declaration on the Right to Development. The session will examine contemporary challenges affecting the realization of the right to development and feature discussions on two thematic studies – “Peace and security and the right to development” and “Illicit financial flows and the right to development”. These discussions aim to present preliminary findings and invite additional expert input. → Read the press release and consult the programme on Sched.

The environment is also expected to be tackled in various sessions, including:

Human Rights @ CBD COP17

In 2022, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity agreed that the implementation of the KMGBF “should follow a human rights-based approach, respecting, protecting, promoting and fulfilling human rights” (Section C). This marked a historic recognition of the intrinsic relationship between human rights and biodiversity. As the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference presents a critical opportunity to translate this commitment into action, several recent developments have brought renewed attention to this agenda:

Key moments advancing the human rights and biodiversity agenda taking place this week include:

  • A Human Rights and Biodiversity Day led by the COP-17 Presidency will take place on 26 October 2026 at the Host Country Pavilion.
  • The UN Special Rapporteur on the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, Astrid Puentes Riaño, is participating in several sessions.

Justice systems at front line of climate crisis

A new report by UN Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Margaret Satterthwaite, “An urgent and existential threat: the role of justice systems in addressing the climate crisis (A/81/166)” warns that justice systems are increasingly under pressure when enforcing climate commitments. The report urges States to strengthen judicial independence, combat attacks on environmental defenders, and ensure courts are prepared to address climate-related cases. → Read the press release

Upcoming Deadlines

Environment and human rights-related calls for submissions coming to a close in the following weeks include:

  • Closing remedy and accountability gaps in business: Addressing legacy human rights harms | UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights | Deadline: 28 October 2026
    The report, to be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2027, will examine how transitions such as mergers, acquisitions, divestments, project transfers and privatizations can create accountability and remedy gaps for victims of human rights harms, including environmental harms.
  • Climate Change and the Rights of Women and Girls | UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls | Deadline: 31 October 2026
    The thematic report to be presented at the Human Rights Council in June 2027 will explore the differentiated impacts of climate change on women and girls, including how climate-related harms intersect with and exacerbate existing gender inequalities and discrimination.
  • Environmental destruction and its human rights impacts in the Occupied Palestinian Territory | UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967 | Deadline: 1 November 2026
    The report will examine patterns of environmental destruction and degradation associated with occupation, military operations and settlement activities, and assess their impacts on health, livelihoods, food systems, displacement, cultural heritage and the enjoyment of human rights.
  • Land rights of people of African descent | UN Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent | Deadline: 12 November 2026
    The call focuses on the persistent denial of land rights experienced by people of African descent and its implications for environmental justice, territorial security, displacement, cultural identity and the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

Five Decades of JIU Oversight of Environmental Initiatives Across the UN System | JIU60

This year, the Joint Inspection Unit (JIU), the United Nations system’s only independent external oversight body, celebrates its 60th anniversary. As part of its 60th anniversary celebrations, the JIU has published a new article, “Five decades of JIU oversight of environmental issues across the UN system,” reflecting on how independent system-wide oversight has supported environmental governance and sustainability across the United Nations System. Covering topics ranging from biodiversity conservation and climate change to disaster risk reduction, water management and sustainable operations, JIU reviews have consistently highlighted challenges related to fragmented governance, weak accountability, inadequate resource tracking and implementation gaps. The article underscores three recurring priorities for effective environmental action: clear accountability, reliable and comparable data, and sustained follow-up. As the UN addresses the interconnected crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution while advancing institutional reforms under UN80, these lessons remain highly relevant for strengthening coherence, transparency and results across the system. → Consult the full article (PDF version).

As part of its 60th anniversary commemorations, next week, the JIU will convene a high-level panel discussion exploring how independent system-wide oversight contributes to institutional change across the UN system. → Join the high-level panel discussion on 4 November 2026, from 15:30–17:00 CET at Palais des Nations, Tempus and online.

International Day of the Deep Seabed | 1,000 Reasons to: Discover. Share. Use.

In a landmark decision, the 30th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) Assembly established 1 November as the International Day of the Deep Seabed, following a proposal by Fiji, Jamaica, Malta and Singapore. The date commemorates the historic address delivered by Ambassador Arvid Pardo of Malta to the United Nations General Assembly in 1967, in which he declared the deep seabed and its resources to be the common heritage of humankind. Observed annually, the Day celebrates the spirit of multilateral cooperation that underpins the Law of the Sea and promotes greater awareness, understanding and sustainable stewardship of the deep seabed and its resources.

The thematic focus for the 2026 observance “1,000 Reasons to: Discover. Share. Use.”, is anchored in ISA’s Sustainable Seabed Knowledge Initiative (SSKI) and its One Thousand Reasons campaign. The initiative supports global efforts to advance knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity, including the ambitious goal of describing at least 1,000 new deep-sea species by 2030. Throughout 2026-2027, the campaign will showcase how taxonomic research, open data sharing, capacity development and international scientific collaboration contribute to effective ocean stewardship and science-based decision-making in the Area. While centred on the annual observance on 1 November, the campaign will extend through 2027, building momentum towards the 60th anniversary of Arvid Pardo’s landmark 1967 speech.→ Learn more about the campaign and about the role of Geneva.

World Cities Day | Urban Challenges in Focus

This week, Urban October, a month to talk about our towns and cities, celebrate progress and find solutions to today’s urban challenges, will conclude with World Cities Day on 31 October. This year’s observance will focus on“Regenerating the City: Adequate Housing for All,” highlighting the need for inclusive, climate-resilient urban development and solutions to the global housing crisis. It comes at a time when many European cities are grappling with intertwined environmental and social challenges, including housing affordability, urban resilience, energy costs and the impacts of extreme heat. The recent protests across several countries underscore growing concerns about how cities can remain both sustainable and livable while advancing climate and social goals. The 2026 official Celebration is taking place in Fuzhou, China.

→ Learn more about Cities, the Environment and the Role of Geneva.

Enjoying a Green Autumn in Geneva

With school holidays still ongoing in neighboring France and some schools in Geneva, suggestions to enjoy your free time and a Green Autumn in Geneva this week include:

  • Café quartier : Initiation au goût du pain, pain artisanal ou industriel, quelles différences ? | 26 October 2026 | Foound 
    Discover the flavours of artisanal and industrial bread during a tasting session led by local baker Eric Emery at FOOUND. As part of the Café Quartier programme organized by the City of Geneva, this free event offers an opportunity to explore the differences between different types of bread while connecting with the people who bring the neighbourhoods of Délices and Saint-Jean to life.
  • Atelier-formation “Apprendre à fabriquer ses cosmétiques naturels” | From 26 October to 23 November 2026 | L’Art du Cosmétique au Naturel | Espace de quartier Eaux-Vives
    Come and learn how to make your own natural cosmetics in this five-session workshop in Geneva. From facial creams and solid shampoos to body scrubs and massage oils, discover how to use natural and organic ingredients to create everyday skincare products. Combining theory and hands-on activities, the course offers practical skills for a more sustainable approach to personal care. 
  • Tour of the MACO – Collaborative Manufacture | 27 October 2026 | 2050Today | MACO
    Dedicated to promoting sustainable production and consumption, MACO invites visitors to explore its 1,200 m² facilities and discover how reuse, repair and resource sharing contribute to the circular economy. The tour will be followed by a coffee break and a discussion on the work of UNHCR, winner of a 2026 SIG Award in the Waste and Circular Economy category.
  • WonderDays Nature & Company: Introduction aux IDGs | 27 October 2026 | Inner Development Goals | Restaurant du Jardin Botanique Amarante 
    This workshop at Geneva’s Botanical Garden introduces the Inner Development Goals (IDGs), a framework built around five dimensions and 25 competencies. Through guided reflection, group discussions and peer exchange, participants will explore ways to strengthen resilience, navigate complexity and develop more responsible forms of leadership, all in a peaceful natural setting.
  • Action Lumières – Vernier | 27 October 2026 | Grand Genève | Sous le Viaduc de l’Écu
    As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, cyclists need to take extra precautions to stay visible on the road. Action Lumières in Vernier offers an opportunity to get advice from professionals, purchase bike lights and visibility accessories at discounted prices, and benefit from small repairs and free reflective goodies. 
  • Rencontre-dégustation | Cameroun | 27 October 2026 | TerrEspoir | Salle Trocmé
    As part of its 30th anniversary celebrations, TerrEspoir invites you to explore Cameroonian culture and food through meetings, tastings and special events with local producers and representatives. 
  • Cité Seniors fête ses 20 ans. Le Jardin Botanique de Genève, son histoire, sa mission et ses défis – Conférence et balade | 28 October 2026 | Cité Seniors | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    As part of Cité Seniors’ 20th anniversary celebrations, join a free conference exploring the history, mission and challenges of Geneva’s Botanical Garden.     Led by Jean-Luc Guillaud, co-president of the Association of Friends of the Botanical Garden, the talk will be followed by a guided tour, offering a deeper insight into this institution and its work.
  • Bénévolat – Des murgiers pour les couleuvres | 28 October 2026 | Pro Natura Réserve naturelle de Laconnex 
    Join this volunteer day at Laconnex Nature Reserve to build two stone shelters providing habitats for the endangered viperine snake (Natrix maura) and other small animals. Organized in partnership with KARCH-GE, this activity is a great opportunity to contribute to nature conservation!
  • Première Debordence – Le temps des animaux | 28 October 2026 | Les Scala
    Discover Derborence through the eyes of its wildlife in Vincent Chabloz’s first feature-length film. Blending humour and tenderness, Derborence – Le temps des animaux offers a fresh perspective on this remarkable Swiss valley, following the animals that inhabit it and their occasional encounters with humans. 
  • L’herbier des feuilles | 28 October 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    As part of the Botanical Garden’s Green Workshops, children are invited to explore the colourful leaves of autumn and learn to identify the plants they come from. Through a botanical walk and a hands-on activity, they will discover how to create their own herbarium and preserve their leafy finds.
  • Cité Seniors fête ses 20 ans. Regards croisés sur l’évolution des espaces publics – Des Bergues à la Jonction: découvertes au fil de l’eau | 29 October 2026 | Rendez-vous au quai du Mont-Blanc 5, côté lac, devant le débarcadère 
    As part of Cité Seniors’ 20th anniversary celebrations, join a guided walk from Les Bergues to La Jonction to discover how iconic riverside locations have evolved over recent decades. Along the way, you are going to explore the changing face of the city and the transformation of its public spaces.
  • Un itinéraire pour repenser (bio)diversité et (co)habitat urbain | 29 October 2026 | Fondation Pavillon Scicli | Various Locations
    Starting at La Jonction, this guided walk invites participants to observe the often-overlooked species living alongside us and discover how urban climate, habitats and human activities shape their lives. Through three stages, the route explores how we can better understand the living world around us. 
  • Action Lumières – Carouge | 29 October 2026 | ProVelo | Parvis de l’église Ste-Croix, Carouge 
    As winter approaches and the days grow shorter, cyclists need to take extra precautions to stay visible on the road. Action Lumières in Carouge offers an opportunity to get advice from professionals, purchase bike lights and visibility accessories at discounted prices, and benefit from small repairs and free reflective goodies.
  • Taking Care of the Ecosystem #1 – Voies d’action pour un secteur culturel durable, porteur de sens et prospère | 29 October 2026 | Maison de l’Avenir 
    SIPI – the Swiss Impact and Prosperity Initiative, B Lab Switzerland, Vert le Futur – Alliance sustainable culture, and the Geneva-based association art-werk join forces for a day of discussion and reflection on sustainability. In the morning, SIPI will explore what prosperity for all could look like within planetary boundaries. In the afternoon, Vert le Futur and art-werk will turn their attention to the cultural sector, exploring pathways towards a more sustainable, purposeful and prosperous future
  • Dark Matter Night | 30 October 2026 | CERN 
    On the occasion of International Dark Matter Day, CERN invites you to Dark Matter Night, an evening combining science and culture. Discover the mysteries of dark matter through a live radio programme exploring the links between art and science, followed by a concert featuring local artists. Come and enjoy an immersive experience blending science, music and poetry!
  • WonderDays : Formation Facilitation Fresque Biodiversité | 30 October 2026 | Fresque de la Biodiversité | Restaurant du Jardin Botanique Amarante 
    Bring biodiversity into the workplace by learning to facilitate the Biodiversity Collage workshop. This training at Geneva’s Botanical Garden provides practical skills to explain biodiversity, engage participants through collective intelligence and help organizations turn awareness into action. A prior participation in a Biodiversity Collage workshop is required.
  • Balades d’exploration urbaine: «Frontières» | 31 October 2026 | Association pour le Patrimoine Industriel | Imprimerie des Arts
    This activity is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at Geneva’s API neighbourhood and uncover the details that often go unnoticed in everyday life. This exploratory walk, part of the Échos de quartier project, invites participants to observe the area’s buildings, passages and boundaries, while sharing their discoveries along the way to discover the neighbourhood’s identity and history.
  • Hallomania – Double chasse aux bonbons Vignes & Fluo, dégustation de vins à Soral | 31 October 2026 | Domaine de la Mermière, Soral 
    If you are looking for a Halloween adventure that the whole family can enjoy, this activity is for you. The Domaine de la Mermière in Soral purposes to take part in two very different candy hunts: one among the vineyards, reached by a grape-harvesting trailer, and another in a colourful, fluorescent world under black light. With a creative workshop for children, a wine tasting for adults and grape juice for younger visitors, this family outing combines Halloween fun with a taste of Geneva’s countryside.
  • Hallomania – Chasse aux bonbons avec les oies, atelier créatif & dégustation de vins à Dardagny | 31 October 2026 | Domaine des Crets-Malval, Dardagny 
    Celebrate Halloween with the whole family at the Domaine des Crêts-Malval in Dardagny! Enjoy a candy hunt in the vineyards, meet the Domaine’s famous geese and let children get creative in a Halloween-themed workshop. During this time, the adults can enjoy a tasting of local wines while the children take part in activities.
  • Hallomania – Chasse à la Momie & aux bonbons au Parc des Evaux à Onex | 31 October 2026 | Parc des Evaux, Onex
    Head to Parc des Évaux for a family treasure hunt where children must track down hidden scrolls, solve magical clues and chase real-life mummies to unlock a chest full of sweets. Along the way, they’ll explore the park’s green spaces and discover its local biodiversity in a spooky setting. 
  • Visite guidée – Au Potager – Plantes toxiques | 1 November 2026 | Château de Prangins
    As part of the Memoria Festival, Château de Prangins invites visitors to a guided tour of its historic vegetable garden, focusing on plants with fascinating yet potentially deadly properties. 
  • Aidons les oiseaux en hiver | 1 November 2026 | Pro Natura | Centre Nature de la Pointe à la Bise
    Would you like to help birds get through the winter? Pro Natura offers the perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand to local birds! Learn how to prepare food for robins, sparrows and other local birds, helping them find nourishment during the colder months.
  • Hortus Botanicus Helveticus: Together for 30 years | Until 29 November 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    Marking the 30th anniversary of Hortus Botanicus Helveticus, this outdoor exhibition celebrates the work of Switzerland’s 30 botanical gardens. As you walk through the Jardin Botanique de Genève, discover 30 illustrated displays, each featuring a representative plant species and highlighting the important role these gardens play in protecting biodiversity and preserving plant life for future generations. 
  • Atelier découverte de la nature pour enfant | Until 12 December 2026 | Swiss Food Academy | Espace de quartier Le99 aux Charmilles, Plainpalais et Eaux-Vives
    This autumn, children can discover the chestnut through a fun and sensory workshop! They will explore, taste and learn about this seasonal Swiss favourite while taking part in a gardening activity and enjoying a comforting chestnut tasting.
  • Create Your Own Rousseau-Style Herbarium | Until 23 December 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    Discover the art of herbarium making in this hands-on workshop inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Using dried flowers, plants, and traditional paper, participants can create their own herbarium sheet while learning about plant identification and the scientific techniques behind this botanical practice. The activity is free and suitable for visitors aged four and above.

What (Else) to Read Next?

  • Why do planes keep circling before landing? UN has a plan to fix it | UN News | 25 October 2026
    Air traffic delays cost billions and turn journeys into ordeals. Some countries are already proving that better coordination saves thousands of flying hours and cuts emissions – and the UN’s aviation agency wants the rest of the world to follow.
  • Discover the 15 Finalists for the Inaugural I CAN Earthshot Challenge | The Earthshot Prize | 22 October 202
    15 finalist teams from across 9 Indian states and Delhi will participate in the first-ever Children’s Earthshot, alongside The Earthshot Prize’s 2026 Summit and Awards Night. Five winners, one from each Earthshot category, will be announced at the Children’s Earthshot Awards Ceremony. Each winning team will receive US$2,000 to further develop and implement its environmental solution.
  • Europe protests: Türk says only way forward is dialogue | OHCHR | 20 October 2026
    “The mass protests across Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal are raising human rights concerns. I condemn all acts of violence and call on all of those involved to reduce tensions and prevent further violence. The best and only way forward is inclusive and safe dialogue. People have the right to protest peacefully, and to have their voices heard. States must facilitate these rights.”
  • Palestinian farmers face renewed threats as olive harvest is underway: UN experts | OHCHR | 19 October 2026
    Palestinian farmers in the occupied West Bank face renewed threats to their livelihoods, cultural rights, food security and food sovereignty as the annual olive harvest gets underway, UN experts* said today, urging Israel to guarantee their protection and safe access to their land.

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