Environment: What’s Up in GENeva | 9 – 15 December 2024

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. Stay tuned and follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube, or visit our website regularly for additional updates.

Image of the week | View of Room XXIII of Palais des Nations in the early hours of Monday 2 December during the opening remarks by the Permanent Representatives of Vanuatu and Colombia, and the Chargée d’affaires of Portugal at the Geneva Diplomatic Screening and Commentary of the International Court of Justice oral hearing on climate justice, organized as part of the Geneva Environment Network 25th Anniversary series of events. © Geneva Environment Network → Find out more on how you can celebrate with us!

Better Finance for Sustainable Development and the Environment

Sustainable Finance is high on the agenda of International Geneva this week, with two events hosted at the Geneva International Conference Center (CICG) and online. The UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)’s biennial Global Roundtable — a key event for driving action within the finance industry, offering professionals the chance to collaborate with peers and gain insights from global leaders — is convening in parallel to Building Bridges — an annual event to accelerate the transition to a global economic model aligned with sustainability goals. As a hub for multilateral governance, home of UNEP FI — the leading UN partnership with the finance industry focusing on sustainable finance — and a global financial center, Geneva is uniquely positioned to address the challenges of finance for achieving the SDGs.

UNEP FI 18th Global Roundtable, is bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including banks, insurers, investors, regulators, policymakers, and civil society, to collectively shape the sustainable finance agenda and catalyze action across the financial system to deliver more sustainable global economies for years to come. With various high-level discussions, plenaries and several deep-dive sessions, the Global Roundtable will explore in-depth challenges and opportunities for better finance for sustainable development and the environment. The flagship event will focus on accelerating practical approaches to setting and implementing targets in areas including net zero, nature, impact, pollution, human rights, and financial inclusion to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. → Participation to the UNEP FI Global Roundtable is open to the public and online participation is also possible. Those registered to attend the Global Roundtable from 10 to 11 December will also have access to the Building Bridges 2024 Action Days from 10 to 12 December.

The 5th edition of Building Bridge s, will kick off with the Building Bridges Summit on 9 December 2024 including high-level dialogues about the future of finance and followed by Building Bridges Action Days from 10 to 12 December 2024, featuring 65+ crowd-sourced sessions. Building Bridges 2024 will gather stakeholders from the finance and corporate sectors, governments, civil society, academia, and sustainable development communities to shape the global sustainable finance agenda and build a bridge towards a global economic model that meets the needs of a sustainable and just society.

While important discussions on sustainable finance are taking place this week in Geneva, a broad alliance of politicians, the financial sector and NGOs have recently launched the federal popular initiative “For a sustainable and forward-looking Swiss financial positioning” (Initiative pour la place financière), calling for establishing new rules.

Climate Justice | Geneva Analysis of ICJ Oral Hearings

The public hearings held by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the request for an Advisory Opinion on States’ obligations in respect of Climate Change enters its second week, with States and international organizations provided the opportunity to further elaborate on their written submissions and respond to questions from the Court. → Follow highlights through the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin live coverage, CIEL’s Daily Debriefs or Greenpeace Live Blog

During the opening remarks of the Geneva screening of the first day of the public hearings, the Permanent Representative of Vanuatu, H.E. Amb. Sumbue Antas, recalled that the journey started with pressure from law students from the Pacific Islands who took an active role in advocating for this issue, while the Permanent Representative of Colombia to the UN in Geneva, H.E. Ambassador Gustavo Gallon, highlighted that the hearings are the milestone “opportunity for the Court to specify the obligations of states and international cooperation action necessary to address the climate crisis, protect the planet and the wellbeing of future and present generations” towards helping address the legal fragmentation in the fight against climate change. The Chargée d’affaires of Portugal, Joana Fisher, also stressed that although advisory opinions are not legally binding, there is broad consensus that they carry considerable legal, moral, and political weight, and can play a crucial role in shaping international norms, influencing state behavior, and supporting climate action.

A special event, “Climate Justice Hearings at the International Court of Justice: Unpacking Key Arguments and Drawing Lessons from a Human Rights Perspective“, organized by the World Youth for Climate Justice, Earthjustice, the Geneva Environment Network, the Geneva Human Rights Platform, and the Center for International Environmental Law, will bring together leading experts to unpack key arguments and draw lessons from the hearings at the ICJ, with an aim to increase public awareness of the Advisory Opinion process and to prepare the ground for its uptake among human rights institutions. → Register to join in person at Villa Moynier or online via Zoom on Thursday 12 December 2024 from 18:30 to 20:30 CET.

Update on the Global Environment Outlook Process

Launched in 1995, the Global Environment Outlook (GEO) is UNEP’s flagship environmental assessment, providing periodic updates on the state, trends, and projections of the global environment. This independent assessment on the state of the environment looks also at the effectiveness of the policy response to address these environmental challenges, and possible pathways to achieve various internationally agreed environmental goals. The seventh edition of the Global Environmental Outlook (GEO-7), started following the adoption of resolution UNEP/EA.5/3 by the United Nations Environment Assembly in March 2022, and continues the tradition of delivering comprehensive, science-based information critical to guiding policy and action towards sustainability to address the complex environmental challenges we face today. GEO-7 is expected to be launched at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), in December 2025.

This week, a briefing session organized within the framework of the Geneva Environment Network will provide updates on the developments in the GEO-7 process, and offer an opportunity for Member States and Stakeholders in Geneva to gain insights on priorities, feedback, and engage in dialogue about the GEO-7 development to ensure it meets stakeholder needs effectively. → Register on Forms to join us in person at the International Environment House I or on Webex to join online on Friday 13 December 2024 from 10:00 to 11:30 CET.

Human Rights Day | Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now.

Every year on 10 December, the world celebrates Human Rights Day, the day when, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Decades since this landmark occasion, human rights have become more recognized and more guaranteed across the globe, expanding protection to groups in vulnerable situations such as persons with disabilities, Indigenous Peoples and migrants.

As human rights can empower individuals and communities to forge a better tomorrow, this year’s Human Rights Day focuses on how human rights are a pathway to solutions, playing a critical role as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good. The campaign, Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now, will show the tangible impact of human rights by focusing on relevant global issues, showcasing impact, successes and practical solutions. This continues the forward-looking work of UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk’s vision statement, Human Rights: A Path for Solutions , presented as the wrap up to Human Rights 75, which commemorated the 75^th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In the face of environmental degradation, including the triple crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, equality for all also means advancing climate justice, and the human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as recognized by the UN Human Rights Council and the UN General Assembly. → As a main international hub for addressing human rights issues, learn how International Geneva is taking urgent action to respect, protect and fulfill human rights, including the right to a healthy environment in our dedicated update.

Events addressing human rights and the environment taking place in Geneva this week include:

“Our Rights, Our Future. Right Now,” through Human Rights Education For, With and By Youth | OHCHR | 10 December 2024 | 16:00 – 18:00 CET | Palais des Nations, Room XXII
Celebrating the launch of the fifth phase (2025-2029) of the World Programme for Human Rights Education, this youth dialogue will highlight the importance of human rights education for, with and by youth as main human rights stakeholders and actors, taking into account the three thematic areas decided by the Human Rights Council: digital technologies and human rights, gender equality, and environment and climate change.
The Implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution 76/300 Recognizing the Right to a Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment | Geneva Academy | 11 December 2024 | 18:30 – 20:00 CET | Villa Moynier & Online
This conference aims to explore the implications of UNGA Resolution 76/300, focusing on both its potential and limitations. The discussion will notably address the legal status of the resolution, the opportunities it offers for advancing environmental protection, its influence on legal reforms, policy frameworks, jurisprudence and international collaboration, and its role in combating the fight against the triple planetary crisis.

Launch of the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders

The international community is facing a global loss of biological diversity on a scale unprecedented in human history. The loss of biodiversity undermines the ability of everyone, everywhere, to enjoy their human rights, and is especially disastrous for the Indigenous Peoples and others who depend most directly on natural ecosystems for their material, cultural, and spiritual well-being. To be successful, efforts to conserve nature must recognize the rights and contributions of those whose ways of life contribute to its protection.

From 2022 to 2024, the UN Environment Programme oversaw a process to clarify how existing human rights norms apply to private conservation actors which resulted in the Core Human Rights Principles for Private Conservation Organizations and Funders, which were the subject of extensive consultations with rightsholders, including Indigenous Peoples, rights-based organizations, experts, private conservation organizations, and funders. Rather than creating new rights or duties, or superseding existing norms and standards, the principles reflect and clarify the existing human rights norms and standards applicable to conservation. Overall, adherence to these principles fosters a more responsible, rights-based and gender-inclusive approach to conservation, which ultimately benefits all of us who share this beautiful planet. → Join the launch event, aimed at diverse stakeholders committed to advancing human rights and conservation taking place on 13 December 2024 in two webinars for different time zones, at 9:00 CET and 18:00 CET.

UN Trade and Development Global Commodities Forum

The intensifying climate crisis is upending global commodity value chains, disrupting production, destabilizing supplies and driving price volatility, with developing nations bearing the brunt. The Global Commodities Forum 2024, organized by UN Trade and Development with its partners, will explore solutions to reshape commodity trade and value addition, with a focus on developing countries. Held under the theme, “Commodities amid the climate emergency: Sustainable trade and value addition”, this year’s forum will focus on four topics: adapting to the energy transition in fossil fuel-dependent developing countries, promoting natural fibers in the climate action agenda, the role of standards and traceability in fostering sustainable trade in agricultural commodities, and harnessing benefits from critical energy transition minerals. → Register on Indico to participate in person from 9 to 10 December 2024 at Palais des Nations, Room XIX.

Mountain Solutions for a Sustainable Future

On 11 December, the world celebrates International Mountain Day, highlighting the importance of these ecosystems which are home to 15% of the world’s population and host about half of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. This year’s theme focuses on the capacity and needs of its people through a triple approach: “Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth.”

To celebrate, the Adaptation at Altitude Knowledge Network is hosting host a series of speed talks and an interactive exchange on how innovative solutions are attempting to close the adaptation gap in mountain regions. From novel technologies to community-led approaches, learn about the ways in which innovation can manifest in adaptation efforts and why embracing innovation is often crucial in keeping up with the pace of climate change. You’ll hear from practitioners from mountain regions around the world, and get a chance to learn more about how adaptation solutions work in different areas. → Register and join on 11 December, from 14:00 to 15:30 CET

Our Land, Our Future | Parties Combatting Land Degradation

The sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) continues this week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the participation of various experts from international Geneva, and is expected to conclude on Friday 13 December 2024. → Follow the UN TV webcast, find more information on the host country’s website and follow the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin live coverage.

The three thematic days held this week are of particular interest for international Geneva experts:

Science, Technology and Innovation Day on 9 December aims to accelerate scientific solutions for land health and resilience.
Resilience Day on 10 December will focus on policies and technologies to build societal and planetary resilience in the face of climate change.
Finance Day on 11 December will engage financial stakeholders to showcase innovative funding mechanisms and partnerships for land and drought resilience initiatives.

Updates, reports and news from the first week of negotiations include:

ILO and IUCN launched “Decent Work in Nature-Based Solutions 2024: Unlocking jobs through investment in skills and nature-based infrastructure“, the second report in a biennial series on decent work, just transition and nature-based solutions. The report highlights that currently, over 60 million people work globally in activities categorized as Nature-based Solutions. Through targeted investments, this number could increase by up to 32 million globally.→ Read the press release.
UNCCD and the European Commission Joint Research Centre launched the World Drought Atlas, a comprehensive global publication on drought risks and solutions as an urgent wake-up call for world leaders and citizens. → Read the press relase.
The Business4Land initiative launched a guide to help corporate actors navigate land-related disclosures and target-setting and align their strategies with national policies and global goals for a fair land transition. → Read the press release.
Economics of drought — investing in nature-based solutions for drought resilience launched on 3 December 2024, the report finds that droughts fueled by human destruction of the environment are projected to affect 3 in 4 people by 2050, investing in sustainable land and water management is essential to reduce their costs, which already exceed $ 307 billion per year globally. → Read the press release.
The One Water Summit, held on 3 December in the margin of COP16, counted on inputs from Geneva, with UNECE Executive Director Tatiana Molcean and Convention on Wetlands Secretary General Musonda Mumba, discussing how to accelerate action on SDG6 and incubate innovative solutions in preparation for the next UN Water Conference in 2026. At the Summit, GEF CEO, Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, announced the US$5 million investment in the Freshwater Challenge, aiming to accelerate action by addressing some of the most critical needs and challenges identified by the Member countries.
UNCCD and UN-Habitat launched The primer on urban-rural linkages and land, which describes the relevant actors, frameworks, and tools that can be used to support Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) initiatives by strengthening urban-rural linkages and making them more resilient.
Three billion people globally impacted by land degradation | UN News | 2 December 2024

Celebrating Milestones | Happy Birthdays!

The Biovision Foundation’s Geneva Office, part of the broader foundation working to promote agroecological solutions and innovations in accordance with nature as a way of fighting poverty and improving food security, is celebrating its 5th anniversary. To celebrate with the environmental community, Biovision is organizing an aperitif on Tuesday 10 December 2024 from 17:00 in their offices at 5th floor of the International Environment House II. → Register to join the party
The Geneva Water Hub, the Geneva platform specialized in water politics and water diplomacy, celebrated its 10 years last week with an evening of reflections and insights.
The Association of Accredited Correspondents at the United Nations (ACANU) celebrated its 75 years this year. Its members have ensured that UN voices resonate far beyond the region. In a video tribute, the UN in Geneva highlighted how their work reflects the dedication of journalists who ensure that UN messages reach the people, everywhere.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) celebrates 75 Years of WMO Science for Action in 2025. The WMO Convention was enacted on 23 March 1950, creating WMO, which officially became a specialized agency of the United Nations a year from that date. Stay tuned with WMO for updates on how to mark this milestone.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its entry into force, on 1 July 1975, in 2025. Stay tuned with the CITES Secretariat and the Geneva Environment Network for updates on how to celebrate this important date in the framework of the annual World Wildlife Day Celebration in Geneva and beyond.
The Geneva Environment Network — the pivotal platform of international Geneva dedicated GENerating participation and engagement for increased collaboration among stakeholders in the fight against the triple planetary crisis — is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To build momentum ahead of the High Level 25th Anniversary Celebration on 20 January 2025, GEN has been organizing a series of events exploring and highlighting frameworks and partnerships that can strengthen environmental governance. → Join us next week for a discussion on Faith-based Organizations Leadership in Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis.

Last Days of a Green Autumn in Geneva

This week Geneva celebrates the Escalade (scaling the defensive wall), the annual commemoration of the Genevan people’s victory over the Duke of Savoy’s surprise attack on the rich, independent and liberal Republic of Geneva during the night of 11-12 December 1602. According to the legend, the Savoyard troops were held up from entering the City by Dame Royaume who threw a pot of boiling vegetable soup – the famous “marmite” – on the invaders before raising the alarm. Traditionally held on the weekend closest to 11 and 12 December, the Fête de l’Escalade is a popular event full of attractions, including a procession in period costume, commemorations and the staging of scenes from life in the 17th century. This year the celebration takes place from 13 to 15 December.

Suggestions to enjoy your free time and a Green Autumn in Geneva this week include:

Fête de l’Escalade 2024 | Until 22 December 2024 | Various Locations
Discover the rich programme of cultural events taking place around Geneva’s most known celebration.
OPUS CARBONE | 10 – 20 December 2024 | Palais des Nations
With the support of the Permanent Mission of France and the Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, artist Iris Leroyer will exhibit her work ‘OPUS CARBONE’ at the Palais des Nations, raising contemporary environmental issues and highlighting the climate crisis and the urgent need to act in the face of the upheavals of the anthropic era. It addresses the combustion of natural environments caused by global warming and fires, which are reshaping planetary landscapes and rethinking the role of humans in a changing world. The exhibition will be inaugurated on 10 December 2024 with a vernissage from 13:00 to 18:00 and will be exhibited until 20 December 2024.
Ateliers de Cuisine Bas Carbone | Until 9 December 2024 | Lancy
Join the workshop to discover how to protect the climate through food.
Worldwide Music Conference 2024 | 10 December 2024| Palais des Nations, Room XVIII
Launching the “Statement of Global Music Culture” initiative, the Conference is bringing together outstanding experts in the field of music scientists, musicians, specialists in world musical cultures, leaders of the music industry, as well as diplomats and public figures – to discuss the future of global musical culture.
Noël au Quai | Until 24 December 2024 | Quai du Mont Blanc
Visit Geneva’s Christmas Market to discover local artisanal food products and goods.

Happening Abroad

IPBES 11 Plenary | The eleventh session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES 11) is taking place in Windhoek, Namibia, from 10 to 16 December 2024, preceded by regional consultations and the Stakeholders Day on 9 December 2024. Delegates will be considering two assessments for acceptance: the thematic assessment of the interlinkages among biodiversity, water, food and health (nexus assessment) as well as an assessment of the underlying causes of biodiversity loss and the determinants of transformative change and options for achieving the 2050 Vision for Biodiversity (transformative change assessment). → Follow the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin live coverage.
Launch & Inception Event of the GEF-8 Integrated Programme on Eliminating Hazardous Chemicals in Supply Chains | The Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNEP are initiating the GEF-8 Integrated Programme (IP) on eliminating hazardous chemicals from supply chains in the fashion and construction industries. The launch event will take place from 9 to 11 December 2024 in Cambodia and will include the first global coordination project steering committee meeting.
International Soil and Water Forum 2024 | The International Soil and Water Forum 2024, co-organized by the FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of the Royal Thai Government is taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from 9 to 11 December 2024. It will mark the world’s first high-level action plan on halting and reversing soil degradation and water scarcity, both critical elements for ensuring food security and a healthier environment for all.
Raw Materials Week 2024 | The Raw Materials Week 2024 is taking place in Brussels, Belgium, from 9 to 12 December 2024. It will feature a session on Equitable and Just Energy Transition – Implementing UN Principles on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, as well as a half-day event on the United Nations Tools for Resource Management co-organized by UNECE, and the GSEU and FutuRaM projects.

What (Else) To Read Next?

International Geneva has adopted its Climate Action Plan | WMO | 5 December 2024
At the initiative of 2050Today, the Geneva Climate Action Forum, nearly 40 players in international Geneva have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by an average of one third by 2030, drawing up a concrete Action Plan demonstrating that a collective mechanism for reducing their carbon footprint is now in place and available to all institutions.
Members take stock of sustainability discussions, consider objectives for MC14 | WTO | 4 December 2024
WTO members taking part in the Trade and Environmental Sustainability Structured Discussions (TESSD) reviewed progress achieved in four working groups and discussed priorities and possible outcomes for the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) to be held in 2026. Members also welcomed the Philippines as the 78th TESSD co-sponsor and heard insights from high-level panels on development perspectives and trade policy opportunities.
Antimicrobial resistance toolkit for youth engagement | FAO, UNEP, WHO, WHOA | 4 December 2024
The Quadripartite has developed a practical toolkit, consisting of 11 tools, for engaging youth in AMR. The aim of this practical toolkit is to equip youth-led networks and youth-serving organizations with resources to engage young people in AMR communication, education and campaigns for awareness-raising, advocacy and behaviour change.
Exposure to air pollution increases infertility risk, US study finds | The Guardian | 4 December 2024
Maternal and paternal exposure to common air pollutants may increase the risk of infertility because it can be detrimental to egg, sperm and embryo development, new research in the US finds.
Manifeste Rhône. Un manifeste pour garantir un Rhône vivant | Plateforme Nature et Paysage Genève | 3 December 2024
Le Manifeste Rhône est la contribution de la PNPGE aux futures discussions sur l’avenir du Rhône, à l’aune notamment du réchauffement climatique, d’une transition énergétique nécessaire, de loisirs de proximité souhaités, de négociations avec l’OFEV sur la gestion des barrages, de l’adoption de la vision territoriale transfrontalière et de la révision prochaine du Plan directeur cantonal.
Energy efficiency and renewable energy agencies are instrumental in promoting sustainable energy | UNECE | 3 December 2024
Promoting sustainable energy and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 require commitment from the governments and legislative, institutional, and financial arrangements that facilitate these processes. In a recent study – Establishing a National Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Agency in Georgia: Comparative Analysis and Strategic Recommendations Based on UNECE Member States’ Experiences – UNECE reviewed one of the institutional instruments that can serve this purpose.
Better ways to recover metals needed for technology from electronic waste could benefit the environment and human health | The Conversation | 3 December 2024
Our increasing reliance on technology is placing pressure on the global supply of materials that are essential for manufacturing electronic devices. Raw materials are being mined to cover the demand for smartphones, laptops, computer servers and electric vehicles, placing strain on the environment. A greater emphasis on renewable technology and on artificial intelligence will only add to this challenge.
Wolves to lose protection as EU secures support for status downgrade | Euronews | 3 December 2024
Change in status under Bern Convention on nature protection could expose burgeoning wolf populations to culling and hunting for sport.
Coca-Cola accused of quietly dropping its 25% reusable packaging target | The Guardian | 3 December 2024
Coca-Cola has been accused of quietly abandoning a pledge to achieve a 25% reusable packaging target by 2030 in what campaigners call a “masterclass in greenwashing”.
Over 100 countries want an ambitious plastics treaty. Oil-producing nations are getting in the way | GRIST | 2 December 2024
Another negotiating session — dubbed INC-5.2 after this week’s INC-5 — will be held in 2025, but it’s unclear how countries will make further progress without a change in the treaty’s consensus-based decision-making process. As it stands, any delegation can essentially veto a proposal they don’t like, even if they’re opposed by most of the rest of the world.
Arctic deep sea mining plans stopped in Norway | Greenpeace Sweden | 1 December 2024
After more than a year of massive pressure from activists, scientists and the international community, the Norwegian government has agreed to stop the first licensing round for deep sea mining in Arctic waters.
Fisheries subsidies chair circulates revised text before December General Council meeting | WTO | 29 November 2024
The chair of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, on 29 November circulated a revised draft text on Additional Provisions on Fisheries Subsidies to facilitate a possible conclusion of negotiations by the December General Council meeting. The chair also circulated a work schedule for the next two weeks.