Menu

Newsletter 05 Oct 2026

Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 5 – 11 October 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, the International Environment House, the Wetlands Convention Headquarters and Eaux-Vives Beach, highlighting ongoing efforts to advance the global environmental governance agenda. © UNEP/GEN, UNECE, and Wetlands Convention.

Road to the 2027 Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

The Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions meet every two years to advance multilateral action to protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. The 2027 Meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (2027 BRS COPs), which include the eighteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (BC COP-18), the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (RC COP-13) and the thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC COP-13), will be held back-to-back at the Panama Convention Centre in Panama City from 19 to 30 April 2027. Preparatory meetings will be held on 18 April 2027.

On the Road to the 2027 BRS COPs, the BRS Conventions Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network are hosting a briefing to provide the latest information on the preparations for the Meetings. → Register to join in person at the International Environment House I or join online the event taking place on 5 October 2026 from 10:00 CEST. 

Important deadlines related to the 2027 BRS COPs include:

  • The deadline for Parties to register on the online platform and to submit the official nomination letter is Friday, 20 November 2026. The Secretariat highly encourages early registration, in particular for delegates requesting financial support and/or requiring a visa to enter Panama.
  • Bodies or agencies that have already been admitted to attend as observers at past meetings of the BRS COPs need to register using the online registration system by 11 December 2026.

Preparations for the 81st Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), in force since 1975 and supported by 185 Parties, regulates international trade in more than 41,000 wildlife species to ensure that trade is sustainable, legal, and traceable while supporting conservation and local livelihoods. The CITES Standing Committee provides policy and operational guidance between Conferences of the Parties, oversees implementation of decisions adopted at CoP20, and reviews scientific recommendations concerning species such as elephants, lions, jaguars, orchids, and Brazilwood. At its 81st meeting (SC81), convening in Geneva from 2 to 6 November 2026, the Committee will address compliance matters, including the application of Article XIII, trade in captive-bred specimens, and National Ivory Action Plans (NIAPs). It will address illegal trade and enforcement matters, including tortoises and great apes, as well as wildlife crime linked to the Internet. The Committee will discuss regulatory matters, such as electronic CITES permitting systems (eCITES), Introduction from the Sea, Legal Acquisition Findings and traceability systems for tree species. Other agenda items include strategic matters, such as enhancing the work and efficiency of the Convention, capacity-building, CITES and people, and the conservation and trade of big cats, elephants, sharks and rays, seahorses and Brazilwood.

This week, the CITES Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network are hosting a briefing to discuss preparations for the upcoming 81st meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. → Register to join in person at the International Environment House I or join online the event taking place on Thursday 8 October 2026 from 10:00 CEST.

Road to the First International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals | 4th Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability

Three years ago, the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5) made history in the early morning of 30 September 2023 by adopting the Global Framework on Chemicals – For a planet free of harm from chemicals and waste (GFC), a High-Level declaration, and a series of additional resolutions. The adoption of the GFC allowed for chemicals, waste and pollution to be recognized at the same level as the crises of climate change and nature and biodiversity loss, which already had frameworks in place (the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework). In the past three years, stakeholders have been collaborating to turn that vision into action. “The multistakeholder nature of the framework can make the work more complex,” observed Head of the Global Framework on Chemicals Secretariat Kay Williams, “but I also increasingly see it as one of its greatest strengths.” At three, the GFC is finalizing preparations for its first International Conference, to be held in Geneva from 16 to 20 November 2026. Read more at:

An important step towards the first international conference in Geneva is the  4th Berlin Forum on Chemicals and Sustainability – Finance for a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste, taking place online on 7 October 2026. Organized by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Forum aims to build support for global action on chemicals and waste. This year’s event will help prepare for the first International Conference of the Global Framework on Chemicals by highlighting progress, discussing priorities for implementation, and encouraging broader engagement in tackling the pollution crisis. The Forum will focus on how public and private finance can support implementation of the GFC. Organized in collaboration with the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), it will bring together representatives from governments, international organizations, civil society, industry, and the financial sector. The event will be opened by H.E. Carsten Schneider, Federal Minister for the Environment of Germany, and Inger Andersen, Executive Director of UNEP. → Follow the live stream.

Updates on Additional Meetings Advancing Pollution Action

Intergovernmental Science-Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution (ISP-CWP) | The Chair of the ISP-CWP, Osvaldo Alvarez, communicated that the Bureau meeting that was held last week in Bangkok following the informal technical meeting to advance the draft Rules of Procedure (RoP) of the Plenary of the ISP-CWP, agreed to give Nairobi the opportunity to host Plenary 1.2, scheduled for 3–7 May 2027. This decision is subject to the understanding that the question of the Secretariat’s location will not be discussed during that specific plenary session. The preceding informal technical meeting was unable to finalize the Plenary’s Rules of Procedure. A further technical meeting is therefore envisaged to complete this important work ahead of Plenary 1.2.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution | Speaking to the press after the Second Informal Heads of Delegation (HODs) Meeting in Bangkok, the Chair of the INC, Julio Cordano, expressed confidence that Member States could adopt the global plastics treaty at the INC-5.4 meeting in March, provided they maintain steady progress and successfully follow the roadmap he has presented. Delegates arrived in Bangkok amid seasonal downpours, but as the talks concluded, brighter skies reflected cautious optimism for progress ahead, as mentioned by participants.

Read more at:

Human Rights Council Wrap-Up | Key Resolutions and Five Years of the Right to a Healthy Environment Campaign Launch

The 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC63) comes to a close this week in Geneva as the Council begins its deliberations on draft resolutions, including those addressing environmental issues. The Human Rights Council is also expected to appoint environment-related expert mechanism and special procedure mandate holders, including the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation. This week also marks five years since the United Nations recognized for the first time, through the Human Rights Council resolution 48/13, that everyone, everywhere, has the human right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.

→ Regular updates on key environmental issues at HRC63, side events, and further resources are available on our dedicated HRC63 and the environment update.

Draft resolutions that address environmental issues include:

  • Mandate of Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes | A/HRC/63/L.27 | Kenya (on behalf of) Group of African States
  • Human rights to safe drinking water and sanitation | A/HRC/63/L.34 | Spain and Germany
  • Human rights and Indigenous Peoples | A/HRC/63/L.20/Rev.1 |Mexico and Guatemala
  • Technical assistance and capacity-building to address the human rights implications of the nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands | A/HRC/63/L.16 | Marshall Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Micronesia (Federated States of), Naoero, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Vanuatu
  • Working Group on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas | A/HRC/63/L.22 | Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Cuba, Gambia, Indonesia, Luxembourg, South Africa
  • Implications of artificial intelligence for the promotion and protection of human rights | A/HRC/63/L.25 | Bangladesh, Algeria, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait, Nepal.

Celebrating Five Years of the Recognition of the Right to a Healthy Environment | As the five-year anniversary of the recognition of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment approaches, celebrations held on the margins of HRC63 highlighted not only the progress and achievements made in the past five years, but more importantly, the responsibility to turn this recognition into reality by continuing to mainstream and strengthen the implementation of the right to a healthy environment. As the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to a healthy environment, Astrid Puentes emphasized, “Let us lose the fear and use the tools that we have. As we have achieved the recognition of the right to a healthy environment, let us implement it in a collective and collaborative way.” Marking this milestone, a dedicated campaign website will be launched this week to celebrate achievements, showcase impact, and mobilize continued action toward making the right to a healthy environment a reality for all. → Consult the summaries and rewatch the videos of the HRC63 side event as well as the reception in celebration of the recognition.

Additional news on the advancement of the right to a healthy environment include:

Celebrating Urban October in Geneva

Every year, Urban October, beginning with World Habitat Day on the first Monday of the month and ending with World Cities Day on 31 October, is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the conversation about the challenges and opportunities created by the fast rate of change in our cities and towns. This year, World Habitat Day, celebrated on 5 October under the theme “Adequate Housing for All”, highlights the urgent need to ensure access to adequate housing for all as a cornerstone for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the New Urban Agenda. The official celebration will take place in Muscat, Oman. → Learn more about Cities, the Environment and the Role of Geneva.

The celebration of Urban October in Geneva will kick off this week with various events:

  • Mobilizing Finance to Reach Cities | Organized by the Global Cities Hub – Geneva and the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Global Commission for Urban SDG Finance | 8 October 2026, 14:30–15:30 CEST | Room A, CICG 
    Within the framework of Building Bridges 2026, this session will discuss how policy alignment, innovative financing structures, and stronger partnerships can help bring sustainable finance closer to the cities and communities where it is needed most.
  • Integrating urban forestry and national restoration planning. Bridging national policy and local action.  | Organized by UNECE and IUCN | 8 October 2026, 14:00–16:00 CEST | Online
    This online dialogue will bring together international organizations, governments, cities and experts to explore how urban forestry can help turn restoration commitments into action on the ground. Featuring experiences from both national and local levels, the event will showcase how restoration goals are being translated into policies, plans and actions, and how urban forestry can contribute to biodiversity, climate resilience and more sustainable cities.

Read more at:

Building Bridges 2026 | Aligning Finance with Sustainability

The seventh edition of Building Bridges, organized by the Building Bridges Foundation on behalf of its Founding Partners, an alliance of institutions from the financial sector, public authorities and Geneva-based international organizations, takes place in Geneva from 6 to 8 October 2026. The event provides a platform to discuss how we can advance the alignment of finance with sustainability.

Over three days, participants from across the public and private sectors will come together to share knowledge, foster collaboration, and drive collective action aimed at transforming how private capital is mobilized to generate positive social and environmental impact. The programme features a Summit, High-Level Plenaries, various Action Events, and a dedicated Solutions Stage, where innovative ideas are showcased and transformed into investable solutions. With sustainability and environmental challenges at the forefront of global priorities, Building Bridges 2026 will provide a unique opportunity for dialogue, partnerships, and concrete action towards a more sustainable future.

Read more about the engagement of Geneva actors at Building Bridges 2026:

Climate Action Updates

Recent climate developments highlight the growing need for preparedness, resilience, and climate accountability as countries face increasingly complex climate risks. Key updates include:

Another Devastating Year for the Glaciers

Recent reports released in September and early October 2026 warning that glacier loss is accelerating at alarming rates in the Alps made headlines around the world. According to the latest data from the Swiss Glacier Monitoring Network (GLAMOS) and the Swiss Commission for Cryosphere Observation of the Swiss Academy of Sciences (SCNAT), a winter with exceptionally low snowfall followed by intense heatwaves from May to September resulted in another devastating year for Swiss glaciers. It was the second-worst year for glacier melt on record, with average ice thickness having declined by 2.5 to 4 metres, and at least 30 small glaciers having likely disappeared entirely. Major glaciers, including the Great Aletsch and Rhône glaciers, recorded their largest losses ever, releasing an estimated 2.2 trillion litres of meltwater between July and September alone, underscoring the accelerating impacts of climate change on the Alpine cryosphere.

One indicator of these unfavourable conditions is the “glacier loss day”, which marks the date when glaciers have exhausted the snow and ice reserves accumulated during winter and begin losing mass. This year, that threshold was reached on 29 June. With the exception of 2022, when it fell on 26 June, glacier loss day had previously always fallen in July, August or September. Another indicator is the 0°C isotherm, the altitude at which air temperature reaches freezing point. Between May and September, the 0°C level remained above 4,000 metres for 76 days. As SCNAT noted, this is more than double the average and represents a record. Under such conditions, “Alpine glaciers have no chance of surviving in the long term.”

We closely follow the insights of Matthias Huss, one of Switzerland’s leading glaciologists, whose research and updates on glacier change help inform our understanding of a rapidly evolving cryosphere. Matthias called the 5.5 per cent decline devastating, noting nearly 20 per cent of total ice gone in five years amid warnings of future water risks for rivers and hydropower.

Read more at:

Migratory Bird Day | Every Bird Counts

Celebrated on the second Saturday in May and October to reflect on the cyclical nature of bird migration with varying migration periods in the northern and southern hemispheres, World Migratory Bird Day is an annual global campaign highlighting the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats. World Migratory Bird Day 2026, observed on 9 May and 10 October 2026, under the theme “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter!” highlights the important role of community science (also referred to as citizen science) in the conservation of migratory birds. Activities taking place in Geneva and its surroundings include the counting of birds in gardens, on balconies or in public parks:

More Happening Abroad

  • Pacific Pre-COP31 | From 5 to 8 October, Fiji, Tuvalu and Australia are partnering to deliver the official COP31 Pre-COP ministerial meeting and Leaders’ event. These events will bring global climate decision-makers to the Pacific ahead of COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, providing an opportunity to build momentum for negotiations while showcasing Pacific leadership, perspectives and climate action. Hosting the Pre-COP in Fiji places the Pacific at the centre of global climate diplomacy.
  • Berlin Climate and Security Conference (BCSC) 2026 | This year’s Berlin Climate and Security Conference – a leading global forum connecting governments, international organizations, researchers, civil society, and practitioners working at the intersection of climate change, peace, and security – will convene on 6 October 2026 under the theme “A climate for security, freedom and prosperity” and identify practical solutions to the defining climate security challenges of our time. The event will be live-streamed.
  • Global Heat Forum | From 6 to 9 October 2026, the Global Heat Forum is bringing together leaders and practitioners working across public health, climate, government, research, civil society, media, policy and finance to accelerate action on extreme heat and its impacts on health, the environment, livelihoods and sectors across borders. Under the theme “Unlocking Solutions to Scale Heat Resilience”, the Forum’s key output will be a Roadmap for Investment and Action on Extreme Heat, developed jointly by partners and participants, anchored in the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on Extreme Heat. → The plenary sessions will be live-streamed on the Forum website.
  • Forum on Green Finance and Investment 2026 | On 7 and 8 October 2026, the 13th edition of the Forum on Green Finance and Investment taking place at the OECD Headquarters in Paris, France, and online via live stream, is bringing together senior representatives and leading experts from governments, financial institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society to promote dialogue, policy development and practical action. It features high-level plenaries, expert roundtables and interactive sessions under the theme Investing for energy security, transition and resilience in a changing world.

Autumn Highlights | La nuit est belle! and Green Autumn Activities

This autumn brings a wide variety of experiences, from cultural festivals and thought-provoking exhibitions to outdoor walks, forums, and community events, while offering opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the changing landscape.

This week marks the return of “La nuit est belle!”, taking place from 9 to 11 October 2026. Under the theme “Along the Water: Exploring the Riches of the Night,” the 6th edition invites visitors to discover aquatic environments and the nocturnal landscapes they shape. Through a series of immersive experiences, participants will explore waterways stretching from the Rhône and Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, while learning about the importance of preserving nocturnal biodiversity and ecological connectivity. The event will also shine a spotlight on the cross-border “dark network” and initiatives aimed at reconciling nighttime activities, light restraint, and ecological connectivity. The United Nations Office at Geneva and other organizations are participating in the initiative by turning off lights. → Discover the programme

Additional activities to help you make the most of a Green Autumn this week include:

  • Nouvelle promenade urbaine au cœur de la Genève internationale | Ville de Genève
    A new urban promenade in the heart of Geneva’s international district, offering nearly 4 kilometres of walking routes through historic estates, green spaces and areas dedicated to biodiversity.
  • La Migration des Oiseaux en Direct | From 5 to 17 October 2026 | Col de Jaman
    Want to observe bird migration from a beautiful setting? This activity is for you! Accompanied by a biologist from the Muséum Genève, you will head to the Col de Jaman, one of Europe’s largest bird-ringing sites, to observe migratory birds up close. You will also be able to visit the capture facilities and discover bird ringing, a technique used to better understand the complex phenomenon of migration. What usually remains hidden will be brought to life before your eyes! 
  • Communiquer sans greenwashing | 6 October 2026 | APRÈS-Ge, la Fédération Suisse des Entreprises et GENILEM | L’ESPACE
    Are you an entrepreneur, a communication manager or a professional working in sustainable development? The Fédération Suisse des Entreprises and GENILEM invite you to a breakfast discussion on the challenges of environmental communication and greenwashing. At a time when environmental transparency is becoming increasingly important, the event will explore how companies and organizations can communicate their commitments authentically, while avoiding the pitfalls of greenwashing.
  • Seniors, s’informer ou se former | Découvrons la nature ensemble | 7 October 2026 | Cycle de Vie | Départ du Pavillon Sicli 
    On 7 October, join biologist and naturalist David McCrae for a bike ride from the Pavillon Sicli to the banks of the Aire. From urban areas to increasingly natural landscapes, the route will explore the renaturation of waterways, local biodiversity and ecological developments along the way.
  • De l’art au Jardin | 7 October 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    The Botanical Garden of Geneva is one of the city’s most beautiful places to discover biodiversity. On 7 October, art and nature come together for a unique guided walk through the Garden. Along the paths, discover sculptures and works of art from the FMAC (Contemporary Art Fund of the City of Geneva) collection, and learn more about the stories behind these unexpected works.
  • Fruits farfelus et graines rigolotes | 7 October 2026 | Jardin Botanique de Genève
    Discover the fascinating diversity of fruits and seeds at the Botanical Garden of Geneva! Guided by the Garden’s seed specialist, children will explore the many shapes, sizes and ways seeds travel, from those that fly to those that hitch a ride. The workshop will end with a fun craft to take home. 
  • Rencontre au Jardin: Le retour de l’automne | 8 October 2026 | Musée d’ethnographie de Genève
    As autumn transforms the city’s gardens with shades of red and yellow, discover the Jardin du MEG from a new perspective. On 8 October, meet a horticulturist from the City of Geneva and learn more about the work, knowledge and choices involved in caring for the garden throughout the year. In connection with the exhibition “What Is the Future?”, this visit also explores the role of plants, trees and flowers in urban spaces today and in the future. 
  • Entre préserver et intervenir: quel avenir pour les plantes menacées à Genève? | 8 October 2026 | Geneva Botanic Garden, Maison de l’Avenir and HEPIA | Maison de l’Avenir 
    Co-organized by the Maison de l’Avenir and HEPIA, this evening will open with a presentation by Sandrine Godefroid on conservation efforts for rare species in Belgium, including reintroduction initiatives. Nicola Schoenenberger, Director of the Botanical Garden of Geneva, will then moderate a round-table discussion on the situation in Geneva and ways to strengthen the protection of threatened plants locally.
  • Seniors, se divertir | Marches thématiques | 8 October 2026 | Cité Seniors (Sentier des Toblerones) 
    Mountain guide Katrin Oppliger will take you along the Toblerones Trail to discover the anti-tank barriers built during the Second World War, whose distinctive shape resembles the famous Swiss chocolate. This easy 2-hour walk from Bassins to Gland offers beautiful views over Lake Geneva and the Alps, while taking you through the surrounding forest and countryside.
  • Le climat s’emballe, la faim persiste : cultivons autrement ! | 8 October 2026 | SWISSAID Genève | Café Foound
    On 8 October, SWISSAID and Action de Carême will bring together experts and practitioners from Kenya and Switzerland to explore how agroecology can strengthen food security in the face of climate change. Drawing on data from more than 12,000 households across Africa, Latin America and Asia, the discussion will highlight experiences from the field and explore the role of collective action in advancing more sustainable food systems.
  • Une soirée sur les traces du blaireau | 9 October 2026 | Pro Natura | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon 
    Spend a special evening at the Vallon de l’Allondon Nature Centre, patiently waiting for a glimpse of the elusive badger. This mysterious and fascinating animal lives in the surrounding forests, and you might be lucky enough to spot it emerging from its burrow. Discretion, patience and careful observation will be key for an intense and magical evening full of mystery and anticipation.
  • WonderDays Nature & Company: Fresque de la Biodiversité | 9 October 2026 | Wonder Way | Restaurant du Jardin Botanique Amarante
    This workshop offers an opportunity to better understand biodiversity and explore how businesses can work with nature in their daily activities. Discover the links between ecosystems and companies, as well as the levers available to support the transformations taking place in Geneva. The workshop will end with a locally sourced, organic lunch prepared by Amarante. 
  • Cabanes dans les bois | 10 October 2026 | Pro Natura | Centre Nature du Vallon de l’Allondon
    Ever dreamed of building your own hut in the woods? Spend a day at the Vallon de l’Allondon Nature Centre and let your imagination run wild! Whether it is a hideout, a shelter or a place to protect your treasures, build the cabin of your dreams using the natural surroundings of the forest.
  • Stage de découverte de la teinture de la laine | 10 and 11 October 2026 | Association le Jardin des Couleurs | Jardin des Couleurs, Bernex 
    Discover the art of natural wool dyeing during this two-day workshop at the Jardin des Couleurs. Learn how to use plants from the garden to create natural dyes and explore traditional dyeing techniques in an outdoor setting.
  • Sur les traces des champignons | 10 October 2026 | Pro Natura | Bois de Versoix 
    Are mushrooms intriguing to you?     With their many colours and fascinating variety of species, some edible and others poisonous, they are full of surprises! Would you like to learn more about these fascinating organisms that are an important part of the natural landscapes around us? Join this activity organized by Pro Natura and explore the forest of Versoix in search of these hidden treasures.
  • Créer et entretenir un compost | 11 October 2026 | Chateau de Prangins
    What can you do with garden, kitchen, pruning and harvest residues? On 11 October, the Château de Prangins and the ProxiCompost Association invite you to discover how these organic materials can be transformed into valuable compost. Learn how to create and maintain your own compost and improve the fertility of your soil! 
  • Kilomètre bonus du Musée d’histoire des sciences | 11 October 2026 | Musée d’histoire des sciences | Parvis du Musée d’histoire des science
    On the occasion of the Marche de l’espoir, children and adults alike can put their solidarity into action by walking and answering questions along the Bonus Kilometre proposed by the Museum of the History of Science, this year in support of children in Haiti. It is a wonderful way to (re)discover the lakeside and its beautiful parks while taking part in this solidarity event.
  • Marche du Temps Profond | 11 October 2026 | Vallon de l’Allondon
    The Deep Time Walk offers a unique way to experience the 4.6-billion-year history of our planet. Over 4.6 km, each metre represents one million years, taking you from the emergence of life through mass extinctions and major evolutionary breakthroughs to the present day. Lasting 3 to 3.5 hours, the walk combines storytelling, reflection and conversation, with a choice of French- or English-speaking guides. 
  • La Fête du Théâtre | Until 11 October 2026 | Various locations
    From 4 to 11 October, the “Fête du Théâtre” is coming back to Geneva! A full programme of performances, completely free for all. You will be able to discover a programme exclusively for professionals, as well as three themed evenings in three different languages: French, Spanish and Italian. Finally, the “La Cour à Germaine” day on 4 October will be dedicated to street arts, with a full day of free performances for all. Come and enjoy these days of discovery and fun, alone, with family or with friends! 
  • Leurs cultures, nos racines – portraits de femmes en terre genevoise | Until 16 October 2026 | Promenade de l’Observatoire Saint-Antoine 
    This exhibition highlights the women who contribute to Geneva’s agricultural heritage, from farmers and winegrowers to livestock breeders and horticultural workers. Through a series of portraits by photographer Bertrand Carlier, discover their stories, professions and essential role in shaping the present and future of local agriculture. The exhibition also celebrates the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
  • Exhibition – LÉMAN ÊTRE VIVANT | Until 18 October 2026 | ASL | Espace Léman
    See Lake Geneva from a completely different perspective through this immersive exhibition combining photography, films, sculptures, sound installations, and storytelling. Created by the Hydromondes collective, LÉMAN ÊTRE VIVANT invites visitors to think of the lake as a living ecosystem, connected to its rivers, forests, glaciers, wildlife, and communities. A programme of workshops and family activities complements the exhibition throughout the summer. 
  • 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. 
  • Du Grand Cinéma pour les Petit·es | Until 19 December 2026 | Various locations
    This autumn, young children are invited to discover the wisdom behind four popular proverbs through specially selected animated short films. Each month features a new programme exploring themes such as difference, perseverance, respect for nature and helping others, using humour, poetry and imagination to engage young audiences. In September, “L’habit ne fait pas le moine” encourages children to look beyond appearances and reflect on prejudice, exclusion and the value of differences. 
  • 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?

  • Europe’s children will inherit public-health crisis from new EU pesticide approvals | Faustine Bas-Defossez and Suzanne Astic, EUobserver | 1 October 2026
    The ‘Food and Feed Safety Omnibus’ raises fundamental questions. Who exactly is the EU’s food policy supposed to protect? How many more children need to be harmed for politicians to act? And what kind of future do EU institutions want to build?  Should pesticide protections be treated as obstacles to short-term profits, or should children be able to grow up safely?  Politicians should reject this devastating Omnibus proposal and work instead to support the EU’s transition to safe, sustainable, and resilient farming.
  • Mapping the services gap to tackle plastic pollution | UN Trade and Development | 30 September 2026
    UNCTAD’s new study shows how countries can use better data to move from broad capacity gaps to specific service needs to reduce plastic pollution.Plastic pollution starts with goods, but solutions depend on services.
  • Launch of Copernicus Marine’s 10th Ocean State Report | Copernicus | 30 September 2026
    Over the past ten years, the Copernicus Ocean State Reports have documented the changing ocean, providing an authoritative scientific record that supports research, policy, and society. This achievement belongs to the scientific community – the network of OSR authors across Europe and beyond – whose dedication, curiosity, and collaboration have made it possible.
  • Could a new global panel defuse inequality’s ‘ticking time bomb’? | UN News | 30 September 2026
    That is the thinking behind a proposal gaining support from world leaders and experts to establish a new ‘International Panel on Inequality’, an independent body that would bring together evidence on the causes and consequences of widening disparities and help governments understand what can be done about them. The initiative was in the spotlight in New York on 23 September, at an event on the margins of the UN General Assembly’s high-level week, convened by Brazil, Norway, South Africa and Spain.
  • 2026 Laureates challenge autocracy, patriarchy and AI bias | Right Livelihood | 30 September 2026 
    The 2026 Right Livelihood Award goes to women and women-led organizations confronting the world’s most entrenched power structures: authoritarian rule, patriarchal violence, and unchecked AI development. Their common thread is resistance to systems that push people to the margins, and a shared insistence on putting people back at the centre. 
  • Syngenta’s efforts to settle US herbicide litigation rejected by hundreds of plaintiffs | SWI swissinfo.ch | 29 September 2026
    Hundreds of people who claim they developed Parkinson’s disease after using or being exposed to the weedkiller paraquat have rejected settlement offers from the Swiss agricultural giant Syngenta, a stand-off that could lead to a wave of individual trials.     
  • Clean your plate – to reduce food loss and waste | UN News | 29 September 2026
    Food waste is helping to fuel global warming, one half-eaten sandwich at a time. In fact, throwing out lunchtime leftovers or wilted lettuce only adds to the mountain of discarded food decomposing in landfills that releases methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. It also contributes to some eight to 10 per cent of global emissions.
  • ISO 20001:2026 | Food loss and waste management system — Requirements for the prevention and minimization of food loss and waste across the food supply chain | ISO | 29 September 2026
    This document is applicable to all organizations in the food supply chain regardless of size or complexity.
  • New manifesto calls for a fundamental shift in how humanity turns knowledge into action | The Club of Rome | 28 September 2026
    The manifesto argues that humanity has never understood so much about the transformations reshaping the Earth system, nor anticipated their consequences so clearly, yet the world’s collective response remains profoundly out of step with what is known. Manifesto was written by the BRIDGES Coalition in UNESCO’s Management of Social Transformations (MOST) programme, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, Arizona State University and The Club of Rome.
  • The State of the World’s Forests 2026 | FAO | 28 September 2026
    Forest and landscape restoration is essential for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation and food insecurity. This edition of The State of the World’s Forests examines how forest and landscape restoration can be scaled to deliver lasting benefits for people and the planet.
  • Beyond Amicus Curiae: Rethinking the Role of Third-Party Participation in Investment Arbitration and Environmental Governance | Prepared for the South Centre as part of the Geneva Graduate Institute’s LL.M. Legal Clinic Programme, International Environmental Law and Governance Stream | September 2026
    This document examines third-party participation in Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), with a particular emphasis on environmental considerations. It investigates how to ensure procedural fairness and enable meaningful involvement of affected communities in cases concerning environmental protection. The study assesses the scope and challenges of such participation, including the ability to present evidence and legal arguments related to environmental impacts. It also explores the potential role of third-party involvement in shaping counterclaims against investors for environmental damage, and its possible influence in mitigating compensation by introducing arguments and evidence related to environmental costs.

Events

See all

Jobs

See all

Updates

See all
Subscribe to Newsletter