Years in Review

2022 in Review

Following the setbacks due to the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021, 2022 presented many opportunities to advance the global environmental agenda. In Geneva and beyond, major meetings led to landmark decisions to tackle the triple planetary crisis.

In the run-up to various negotiations, major meetings and UN days, we have enjoyed collaborating with many of the 100 institutions or secretariats in the Geneva region who contribute to the global environmental agenda, and other visiting organizations, to tackle the climate, biodiversity loss and pollution crisis we are facing.

In 2022, the Geneva Environment Network organized 56 multi-stakeholder events, supported partners in hosting numerous other events, and welcomed 20 groups of students at the International Environment House. We also kept the Geneva community informed of environment-related activities and issues through our newsletter and web resources.

We would like to thank Switzerland, our partners and stakeholders for their continued support and collaboration, and for continuing to make Geneva a global hub for international environmental governance. Congratulations and thank you!

Click here for the list and summaries of our events.

Selection of Quotes for 2022

The Role of Geneva

While the environment may be a cause of conflict, throughout history, it has been much more a source of cooperation. […] Geneva is one of the places where we can work together to put forward this issue of caring for the environment in a good cooperation spirit among countries.
― Philippe ROCH, Former Swiss State Secretary for the Environment, and Member ‎of the Geneva Centre for Security Policy Board, speaking at the event Mobilizing International Geneva for Environmental Peacebuilding | 2nd International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding on 3 February 2022.

Switzerland supports a number of platforms in Geneva to create networks and foster interdisciplinary, and multi-stakeholder cooperation. […] The White Paper on the Future of Environmental Peacebuilding is one concrete and excellent example of the Geneva-based expertise.
― H.E. Amb. Felix Baumann, Deputy Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN Office ‎in Geneva, and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference on ‎Disarmament, speaking at the event Mobilizing International Geneva for Environmental Peacebuilding | 2nd International Conference on Environmental Peacebuilding on 3 February 2022.

These UNEA resolutions [on ending plastic pollution, science-policy panel, and mineral governance] are highly relevant for Geneva. On plastic resolution, we have here a machinery of the chemicals and waste cluster who has a lot of expertise and competence to support such a process, as well as many institutions that are highly relevant for it – WHO, many civil society organizations and business associations, MEAs, WTO, etc. […] The same can be said about the science-policy panel on chemicals. We do not only have the IPCC here, which serves as a model, but most importantly we have all the main actors in the chemicals and waste cluster here in Geneva. Developing a new science-policy panel with the interaction and support of those is certainly not a good way for success. […] On mineral resources: a lot of the scientific work in that area has been done through GRID-Geneva for example together with the University and other actors here in Geneva. We also have a lot of expertise with the Missions: […] Geneva can bring in both expertise and political perspectives from the countries.
― H.E. Amb. Franz PERREZ, Switzerland Ambassador for the Environment, speaking at the High-Level Debriefing on the 5th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, on 24 March 2022.

UNEA was a tremendous success by launching new processes. In order to ensure that these processes will be successful, we need a strong machinery, we need good cooperation with all relevant actors, especially those here in Geneva and most important of course, we need a strong and ambitious engagement by Member States. Because without Member States, we will not be able to deliver ambition.
― H.E. Amb. Franz PERREZ, Switzerland Ambassador for the Environment, speaking at the High-Level Debriefing on the 5th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, on 24 March 2022.

Climate Change

Policy choices that lock the world into overshooting 1.5°C and gambling on return, rather than immediately and drastically slashing emissions— including through rapid phaseout of fossil fuel production and use and a halt to deforestation— invite permanent loss and irreversible damage to humans and ecosystems around the world. In the face of this latest IPCC [WGII] report, such choices are indefensible.
― Nikki REISCH, Director, Climate and Energy Program, Center for International Environmental Law, speaking at “COP26-COP27 Briefing on the IPCC Climate Change 2022 Report: Impacts, Adaptation & Vulnerability on 7 March 2022.

Climate change is the result of more than a century of unsustainable energy and land use and pattern of consumption and production. IPCC WGIII report shows how taking action now can move us towards a fairer and more livable world.  We know what to do. We know how to do it and now it’s up to us to actually take action.
― Jim SKEA, IPCC Working Group III Co-Chair, speaking at the Briefing on the IPCC Climate Change 2022 Report: Mitigation of Climate Change on 8 April 2022.

Countries may currently face political challenges but this is the moment to draw lessons from the recent experiences of recovery. Rather than spending and investing in short-term unsustainable expenditures such as fossil fuel subsidies, it is important to invest in long term low-carbon solutions… If countries are unable to address these very fiscally heavy fossil fuel subsidies, they are likely to pay a higher cost later if they do not actually invest in the long-term solutions.
― Joy KIM, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, United Nations Environment Programme, speaking at a Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform in Trade and Climate Discussion on “Subsidizing Fossil Fuels in Times of High Energy Prices“, on 16 May 2022.

In a world of increasing uncertainty, economic actors are looking to the science to help provide them with direction. For a topic like tipping points, I would hope economic actors do not rely on the Twitter sphere to understand implications but look to the IPCC to understand what they can act upon.
― Eric USHER, Head, United Nations Environment Programme’s Finance Initiative, speaking at “Climate Tipping Points, Irreversibility and their Consequences for Society, Environment and Economies | Switzerland’s Proposal for an IPCC Special Report” on 25 May 2022.

Climate change is the biggest public health threat that is facing humanity now. WHO will be supporting any initiative that will allow us to accelerate and put at a real scale the actions that are needed to face this major public health issue… I ask that you place the health argument as a main cause of concern because we are very quickly reaching the tipping point for public health. 
― Maria NEIRA, Director, Department of Public Health and Environment at the WHO, speaking at Climate Tipping Points, Irreversibility and their Consequences for Society, Environment and Economies | Switzerland’s Proposal for an IPCC Special Report” on 25 May 2022.

The human rights treaties bodies have now to deal with a global problem, intrinsic of complexities. The same goes for climate change bodies, who have been resisting the inclusion of human rights. My work is to make the link, and ensure the stories of peoples on the ground on both these arenas as central to action.
― Ian FRY, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Climate Change, speaking at the HRC50 Side Event The Rights Holders’ Challenges Facing Climate Change, on 24 June 2022.

Biodiversity / Nature

Based on international and national human rights law, putting human rights at the heart of conservation is an obligation for governments, not an option.
― David BOYD, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment, delivering video message at CBD Side Event “Applying a Human Rights-based Approach in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” on 19 March 2022.

You cannot withdraw 50 billion tons of sand out of the environment per year without generating an impact on the environment and society.
― Pascal PEDUZZI, Director, UNEP/GRID-Geneva, speaking at “Sand and Sustainability: 10 Strategic Recommendations to Avert a Crisis Report Launch” on 26 April 2022.

Let’s stay optimistic, as there’s a lot of innovation and there’s a lot of good work. At the same time, let’s not be complacent. The window of opportunity to turn the tide and reverse biodiversity loss as well as tackle the climate crisis is quickly dwindling. It’s not lost yet but we do need to ask the questions to our bank who’s managing our money, when we go to supermarket, and when we vote. Don’t be complacent.
― Ivo MULDER, Head of UNEP Climate Finance Unit, speaking at “The Value of Nature: Finance for Biodiversity,  organized in the sidelines of INTECOL 2022”, on 30 August 2022.

INTECOL aims to help strengthen the voice of ecological societies across the planet, and highlight the crucial need for ecology to help inform decision making and facilitate effective conservation and management.
― Alice C. HUGHES, Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong focusing on Southeast Asian conservation science and capacity building across the global Tropics, speaking at the closing ceremony of INTECOL 2022, on 2 September 2022.

This is a very strategic Conference of the Parties that set in motion all of the work we are doing: help halt biodiversity loss, conserve wildlife, regulate trade in wildlife, ensure that these species survive in the wild, and ensure that indigenous peoples and local communities who rely on these species can thrive and have their livelihoods, contribute to the economy. Having CITES is a very important part of living with nature and ensuring that we don’t suffer any more biodiversity loss.
― Ivonne HIGUERO, Secretary-General, CITES Secretariat, speaking at the Briefing on the World Wildlife Conference | 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to CITES on 18 October 2022.

Plastic Pollution

Small islands already feel the significant effects of marine plastic pollution; there is no time to waste. We need a creative international instrument that deals effectively with the complexity of the plastic pollution crisis, a crisis that is both environmental and economic problem… We will get one opportunity to negotiate this international instrument. History tells us that we almost never amend international environmental agreements. We must ensure that this agreement can evolve over time to confront changing science and economic realities.
― Colin MURDOCH, Permanent Observer of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States to the United Nations Office at Geneva, speaking at the Briefing on the 1st Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution (Plastic Pollution INC-1), on 2 November 2022.

The whole cycle of plastics is now a global threat to human rights. We must ensure free, active, meaningful and informed participation in the new #PlasticsTreaty negotiations. We need clear boundaries on conflict of interest to ensure the new Treaty puts people before profits.
― Volker TÜRK, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 28 November 2022.

Plastic pollution is man-made and directly linked to climate change & biodiversity loss. We need a new #PlasticsTreaty to set up strict controls on plastic production to stop pollution. Plastics and chemical producers must be accountable.
― Volker TÜRK, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 2 December 2022.

Chemicals and Pollution

The scientific evidence we have about how humanity has exceeded the safe space of the planetary boundaries for chemical and pollution is dramatically shocking and should lead us to further action.
― Marcos ORELLANA, UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, speaking at the Geneva Toxic Free Talks on “The Right Not to be Exposed, a Contribution to a Toxic Free Planet”, celebrating the 25 years of the toxics and human rights mandate on 21 September 2022.

What we see now is a global embracement of the mandate, which is encouraging. The link between toxics and human rights and the significance of the mandate the need for international cooperation for the detoxification of the planet are now clearly understood. As we paused to celebrate 25 years of the mandate, let’s recognize the consensus and mobilization that the mandate was able to gather as a big achievement. Now it’s time for action.
― Marcos ORELLANA, UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights, speaking at the Geneva Toxic Free Talks on “The Right Not to be Exposed, a Contribution to a Toxic Free Planet”, celebrating the 25 years of the toxics and human rights mandate on 21 September 2022.

The mandate to address toxics issues is embedded in the BRS Conventions, as it leads to the fundamental objective of these Conventions to protect human health and the environment, including the human rights to life, health, food, shelter and all other basic needs… Once governments and people start to realize that there is a need to achieve the right to a toxic free world, then it starts to have a lot more meaning to people who are greatly affected.
― Rolph PAYET, Executive Secretary, Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, speaking at the Toxic Free Talks session on “The Right Not to be Exposed, a Contribution to a Toxic Free Planet” on 21 September 2022.

There are strong links between actions to address biodiversity loss and mercury pollution. Mercury is an extremely toxic pollutant, that can put further pressure on biodiversity and ecosystems… Being nature-positive for the people and planet is the way forward to address one of the triple planetary crisis.
― Monika STANKIEWICZ, Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention on Mercury, speaking at the Chemicals and Waste Negotiations Briefing on 7 December 2022.

Human Rights and the Environment

Rights-based approaches to protecting, conserving, and restoring biodiversity are the only effective and equitable way to save nature and save humanity. Rights-based approaches should be at the heart of the post–2020 Global Biodiversity. The right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment should be incorporated directly into the post-2020 GBF, as well as measurable targets related to its implementation. Putting human rights at the heart of conservation is an obligation for governments, not an option.
― David BOYD, speaking during a side event to the resumed sessions of CBD bodies in Geneva, “Applying a Human Rights-based Approach in the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework” on 19 March 2022.

In the 21st century, environment and human rights cannot be considered separately. They mutually affect each other and if not addressed in a comprehensive manner, they can lead to tremendous disasters both for the planet and our fundamental human rights and well-being. A human-centered ecology as well as an ecologically-oriented human rights approach can reinforce each other.
― H.E. Amb. Jérôme BONNAFONT, Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, speaking at the Geneva Stockholm+50 Dialogue “ The Human Rights Council Contributions to Protecting Human and Natural Environment”, on 30 March 2022.

The right to a clean and Healthy Environment matters because it compels governments, businesses and institutions to respect, protect and fulfill that right. Enforcing this right could change so much. It could reduce which affects human health and is a significant cost to health systems. It could protect environmental defenders and indigenous people from persecution. It could make our cities more livable… Guaranteeing the right to a clean and healthy environment could change everything.”
― Marianna BOLSHAKOVA, Regional Coordinator, Environmental Law and Governance, UNEP Europe Office, speaking at the World Environment Day in Geneva “Celebrating the Right to a Healthy Environment: 50 Years of the Stockholm Declaration” on 30 May 2022.

The recognition of the right to a healthy and sustainable environment is bringing the people back into this issue and into the battle. It’s a question of legitimacy, and I think definitely it makes a change. People are talking about it in places I would never have thought of. It shows that people have a right to act for the environment.
― Yves LADOR, Representative of Earthjustice to the United Nations in Geneva, speaking at “The Triple Planetary Crisis: Breaking Silos” organized in the sidelines of INTECOL and Alternatiba Léman 2022”, on 31 August 2022.

We the people of the Marshall Islands are still suffering… The issue before this Council is straightforward and unambiguous. We put to you the human rights situation of the people whose only land was pulverized, with nuclear waste left behind. This legacy is beyond our capacity.
― Samuel K. Jr. LANWI, Deputy Permanent Representative of the Marshall Islands to the UN in Geneva, speaking at HRC51 on 7 October 2022.

The Aarhus Convention is undoubtedly the most important and lasting result of the Environment for Europe process. […] Aarhus convention allows any citizen of any state to challenge non-compliance by Parties. This has proven a powerful tool in exposing governments that fail to apply the Convention correctly.
― John HONTELEZ, Former Chief Advocacy Officer, Forest Stewardship Council, Former Secretary General of the European Environmental Bureau, Former Chairman of Friends of the Earth International, speaking at the High Level Briefing on the Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference | 30 Years of Achievements on 23 September 2022.

Trade and Environment

Among many amazing deliverables, and after 21 years, members concluded the multilateral Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies during MC12. Great contribution to Ocean sustainability, fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Historic.
— H.E. Amb. Santiago WILLS, Chair of fisheries subsidies negotiations, speaking at closure of the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022.

On fisheries subsidies, WTO members have for the first time concluded an agreement with environmental sustainability at its heart. This is also about the livelihoods of the 260 million people who depend directly or indirectly on marine fisheries.”
― WTO DG Ngozi OKONJO-IWEALA, speaking at closure of the WTO 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022.

Triple Planetary Crisis

What we really need to address the triple planetary crisis are standards that help us drive transformative change. We shouldn’t spend time on standards that are incremental. We need to look at the systems, actors, products and business models that will drive the future we need to see.
— Carolyn DEERE BIRKBECK, Director, Forum on Trade, Environment & the SDGs (TESS), speaking at “Standards and the Triple Planetary Crisis” on 1 December 2022.

Climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss cannot be addressed without guaranteeing that those who stand up against this triple environmental emergency can safely exercise their fundamental freedoms of expression, association and assembly to do so.
— Michel FORST, Special Rapporteur on Environmental Defenders under the Aarhus Convention, speaking at the meeting with Parties to the Aarhus Convention, other Member States, civil society and international partners on 23 November 2022 to present his vision for implementing the mandate following his election in June 2022.

Selection of Key Outcomes of Environment Negotiations in 2022

During the first quarter of the year, the United Nations Environment Assembly, in Nairobi, made history by adopting 14 resolutions, including a resolution setting up the path to a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Many of these resolutions are of particular interest for international Geneva.

The second segment of the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury concluded in March in Bali, Indonesia, with twelve decisions adopted as part of strengthening efforts against toxic mercury.

At the World Trade Organization (WTO) 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June in Geneva, governments adopted an agreement on fisheries subsidies (WT/MIN(22)/W/22), after more than twenty years of negotiations.

The two-day international meeting, Stockholm+50: A Healthy Planet for the Prosperity of All – Our Responsibility, Our Opportunity, concluded with a statement containing several recommendations for an actionable agenda, including, among others, placing human well-being at the center of a healthy planet and prosperity for all; recognizing and implementing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment; adopting system-wide changes in the way our current economic system works, and accelerate transformations of high impact sectors.

The 2021-2022 meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS COPs) concluded in June in Geneva, agreeing on major decisions related to e-waste movement and ban of harmful chemicals affecting firefighters.

In July, the UN General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution, co-sponsored by over 100 Member States from all regions, recognizing the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment as a human right. No doubt that the Geneva international community was also very engaged in obtaining this recognition, and clear commitments to human rights were made in other negotiations.

The 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) concluded in Geneva, with the adoption of 21 resolutions.

The Sharm el-Sheikh Climate Change Conference – UNFCCC COP27, concluded in November with the adoption of the Sharm el-Sheikh Implementation Plan. Member States agreed to establish a funding mechanism to compensate vulnerable nations for ‘loss and damage’ from climate-induced disasters.

The 19th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES CoP19), or World Wildlife Conference, concluded in Panama in November, with a record number of species to be regulated by CITES.

In December, member states adopted the “Kunming–Montreal Global biodiversity framework”, and other important decisions at the UN Biodiversity Conference in Montreal.

2021 in Review

The COVID-19 pandemic continued impacting nearly every aspect of the global environmental agenda in 2021. In the run-up to various negotiations, major meetings and UN days, we have enjoyed collaborating with many of the 100 institutions or secretariats in the Geneva region who contribute to the global environmental agenda, to tackle the climate, biodiversity loss and pollution crisis we are facing.

In these challenging times, that lead to some landmark achievements, including the adoption of the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment at the Human Rights Council, we would like to thank Switzerland, our partners and stakeholders for the continued support, collaboration and for continuing to make Geneva a global hub for international environmental governance. Congratulations and thank you!

In 2021, the Geneva Environment Network organized 48 multi-stakeholder events and other 25 outreach and networking events, mostly online, in addition to 5 student information sessions with universities.

Click here for the list and summaries of our events.

Selection of Quotes for 2021

The world’s future looks a little bit brighter today. The United Nations, in an historical development, has for the first time recognised that everyone, everywhere, has a human right to live in a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment. This has life-changing potential in a world where the global environmental crisis causes more than nine million premature deaths every year. It will spark constitutional changes and stronger environmental laws, with positive implications for air quality, clean water, healthy soil, sustainably produced food, green energy, climate change, biodiversity and the use of toxic substances.
– David BOYD, Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Environment | Speaking in the margins of the Human Rights Council on 8 October 2021

Switzerland is glad to host so many centres of excellence in Geneva. Alongside with Nairobi, Geneva is the global centre for international environmental policy, with a network that brings together so much expertise, commitment and engagement. Switzerland expresses its gratitude to UNEP for its excellent work, as well as all the individuals who make international Geneva to what it is.
– Katrin SCHNEEBERGER, Director, Swiss Federal Office for the Environment | Speaking at Nature-based Solutions and Ecosystems Restoration, on 7 June 2021 for World Environment Day

This series [- the Geneva Nature-based Solutions Dialogues -] comes at a very timely moment, as we try to further sustainable development by making peace with nature and by tackling the triple planetary crisis that we have imposed on ourselves. Pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change are human-made crises. While they require human-made solutions, we also need NbS because nature will be our best ally in addressing these challenges.
– Bruno POZZI, Director, Europe Office, UNEP | Speaking at Nature-based Solutions and Health, on 26 April 2021

The world urgently needs a new binding treaty to combat plastic pollution. The new treaty can become the “north star and southern cross” that unites all efforts and guides us in the right direction, while restoring accountability in the plastics value chain. We call on all actors to immediately start to explore and develop the concrete elements of the new treaty. We have no time to waste.
– Marco LAMBERTINI, Director General, WWF International | Speaking at High-Level Dialogue on Plastic Governance, on 11 March 2021

One of the crucial lessons from COVID-19 pandemic and others that have preceded is that we live in a deeply interconnected complex system. As such, we absolutely need to break down the persistent silos in decision-making. We must also recognize that the decisions taken today on the way we recover can lock-in damaging economic patterns that perpetuate ecosystem destruction, climate change and biodiversity loss. Alternatively, we can invest in healthier, greener and more equitable world by strengthening our capacity for prevention, detection and response through a complex systems approach.
– Cristina ROMANELLI, Programme officer, Biodiversity, Climate Change and Health, WHO | Speaking at Nature-based Solutions and Health on 26 April 2021

The interlinked crises of pollution, climate change and biodiversity act as threat multipliers – amplifying conflicts, tensions and structural inequalities, and forcing people into increasingly vulnerable situations. As these environmental threats intensify, they will constitute the single greatest challenge to human rights in our era.
All this is now painfully clear. The greatest uncertainty about these challenges is what policy-makers will do about them.
– Michelle BACHELET, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights | Speaking at the 48^th session of the Human Rights Council, 13 September 2021

The Human Rights Council is designed to protect human rights. And climate change is the biggest threat to human rights this century. I think the Council would lose a lot of respect and credibility if it decides to ignore climate change, and refuses to create the position of a Rapporteur.
– H.E. Mohamed NASHEED, Ambassador for Ambition, Climate Vulnerable Forum | Speaking at Addressing the Adverse Impact of Climate Change on the Full and Effective Enjoyment of Human Rights (HRC48 Side Event) on 15 September 2021

The Right to Science is a key tool for humanity to confront the triple crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity. For this it requires that measures be aligned with the best available science. In order to achieve that, science policy interface platforms that are free of conflict of interest are key and critical to transform knowledge into policy.
– Marcos ORELLANA, UN Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights | Speaking at The right to science in the context of toxic substances – HRC48 Side Event on 22 September 2021

Pledges being made in Glasgow will directly affect the work done in the diplomatic circles, across the UN, NGOs, civil society organizations, and other bodies in Geneva. The new special rapporteur on human rights and climate change will break the silos that we have been talking about among institutions, and contribute to tackling climate change in a way that is more consistent and rooted in human rights.
– Samuel K. LANWI, Jr., Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva | Speaking at Leveraging Glasgow’s Ambition in Geneva’s Multilateral Processes | Geneva Cryosphere Hub on 12 November 2021

Trade and the WTO are part of the solution to climate change and environmental degradation. […] I always say that trade is about people. But the fact is that people, in particular the most vulnerable, are increasingly paying the price of environmental degradation. Problems of the global commons represent some of the biggest threats to the future prosperity and security of people around the world.
– Ngozi OKONJO-IWEALA, Director-General of the WTO | Speaking at the Launch event of Ministerial Statements on Trade, Environment and Sustainable Development on 15 December 2021

A sizable fund allocation to implementation of chemicals and waste conventions will lead to immediate and concrete reductions in mercury and is simply necessary, also to contribute to a successful implementation of the other conventions that the Global Environment Facility serves.
– Monika STANKIEWICZ, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury | Speaking at the Executive Briefing on the Fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury on 19 October 2021

The Stockholm Convention has demonstrated its ability to adjust to new global developments and needs with regards to chemicals management. It has also resolved many challenges and continues to do so today. With new chemicals being considered for inclusion by the Conference of the Parties at every meeting, it is my  hope is that we will see much more further impact from the implementation of the Stockholm Convention.
– Rolph PAYET, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions | Speaking at Celebrating 20 years of the Stockholm Convention: looking into the next 20 years on 27 July 2021

To get the level of ambition, we need enhance collaboration and coordination. The role of conventions then becomes important as each one provides important pieces towards the GBF, from the legal frameworks to policies and tools. Recognizing the contributions of these Conventions is key. 
– Martha ROJAS URREGO, Secretary General, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands | Speaking at Executive Briefing on the United Nations Biodiversity Conference on 2 November 2021

CITES is well-recognized as a successful convention. But it addresses only one part of the biodiversity jigsaw: the international trade in wild species of fauna and flora is the focus. This is why it is so important to have a global biodiversity architecture. It is vital to ensure that our nature is conserved for future generations.
– Ivonne HIGUERO, Secretary-General of CITES | Speaking at the Executive Briefing on the United Nations Biodiversity Conference on 2 November 2021

We are faced with a wetland protection and restoration imperative. […] You can call it a crisis or an opportunity. Opportunity is preferable because at the end of the day, wetlands are some of the most cost-effective Nature-based Solutions. […] The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands provides an intergovernmental framework that offers opportunities for global collaboration around making the most of the opportunity that wetlands present for achieving sustainable development outcomes.
– Jerker TAMELANDER, Director, Science and Policy, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands | Speaking at Nature-based Solutions and Water, on 22 November 2021

Our union has strongly affirmed that the Global Biodiversity Framework must be fit for purpose. It must adopt ambitious goals and targets to address the loss of nature. […] Protected and conserved areas across the regional seascape and landscape are able to conserve biodiversity, but only if they are effectively managed and equitably governed. Rather than regarding them as a risk to people’s rights and responsibilities, IUCN regards this as one of the most powerful opportunities yet available to respect, support, and defend the territories and areas of indigenous people and local communities, as part of this global action.
– Trevor SANDWITH, Director, IUCN Center for Conservation Action | Speaking at the Executive Briefing on the United Nations Biodiversity Conference on 2 November 2021

Many economic activities and jobs are directly dependent on nature and the ecosystem services they provide. […] A natural environment that thrives also enables entreprises and jobs to thrive. But then of course the reverse is very true: if business-as-usual means environmental degradation, [some] sectors and within them the jobs in these sectors will disappear.
– Mito TSUKAMOTO, Head of the Development and Investment (DEVINVEST) Branch, ILO | Speaking at Decent Work Through Nature-based Solution for an Inclusive Socio-Economic Recovery on 30 August 2021

Negative impacts happen throughout the whole supply chain and lifecycle [of plastics], whether we are talking about impact on human health, the environment, or human rights enjoyment.  […] The conclusion is that there is a need to look at the plastic crisis we are currently facing in the frame of a lifecycle and full supply chain in order to design policies solutions […] that are comprehensive and that will be efficient in helping us address this issue.
– David AZOULAY, Director, Environmental Health Program, Center for International Environmental Law | Speaking at Plastics in the Life Cycle/SCP, on 11 February 2021

With regards to IDP [WTO Informal Dialogue on Plastics Pollution and Environmentally Sustainable Plastics Trade], IISD alongside with parnters proposes to work in similar ways we have been doing with the fisheries subsidies negotiations, to undertake analysis, dialogues, issue briefs and close contacts with delegates from WTO membership. The objective we think for next year is to identify very clearly what role trade policy can play in managing the plastic problem, how it can play it, and the role there for WTO and the wider Geneva community.
– Peter WOODERS, Senior Director, Energy, International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) | Speaking at the Launch event of Ministerial Statements on Trade, Environment and Sustainable Development on 15 December 2021

The growing momentum for Nature-based Solutions is a critical opportunity for reframing the wrong understanding of the relationship between people and nature, and emphasizing how people are part of nature. By improving our relationship with nature, we could jointly walk towards a common goal, a just equal future that responds to the challenge of climate emergency and biodiversity loss. Nature-based Solutions offer an inclusive and holistic framing — based on solid environmental and social safeguards — to uphold human rights, and enable to a transition to a common goal. 
– Veronica RUIZ, Programme Manager, Ecosystem-based Disaster Risk Reduction (EcoDRR), IUCN | Speaking at Nature-based Solutions and People on 6 December 2021 for concluding session of the Geneva Nature-based Solutions Dialogues

2020 in Review

The past nine months have seen an unprecedented disruption in the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It impacted nearly every aspect of the global environmental agenda. In these challenging times, we would like to thank Switzerland, the United Nations Environment Programme, our partners and stakeholders for the continued support, collaboration and for continuing to make Geneva a global hub for international environmental governance. Congratulations and thank you!

In 2020, the Geneva Environment Network organized 50 multi-stakeholder briefings and outreach events, mostly online, in addition to eight student information sessions with universities from Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

Click here for the list and summaries of our events.

Selection of Quotes for 2020

Geneva is an international hub for environmental governance, in support to the Nairobi hub where UNEP is located. This is a central place to reinforce the synergies among the hubs. Indeed, a lot of international organizations, permanent missions, NGOs, platforms and academic institutions that are contributing to the global environmental agenda are based in Geneva.
– Bruno Pozzi, Director of Europe Office, UNEP (Speaking at The Environmental Agenda of International Geneva, on 1 September 2020.)

Biodiversity is the basis of all our life, but trends in biodiversity are not encouraging. We are experiencing an unprecedented wave of natural destruction. Today, we have to act together to do our part to address the current challenges, we have to reassess our relationship with nature and create the right economic incentives.
– H.E. Franz Perrez, Ambassador for the Environment, Switzerland (Speaking at “It’s Time for Nature” | GENeva World Environment Day Online Roundtable, on 5 June 2020)

It is a most important time to speak about nature-based solutions. Nature is a fundamental solution to multiple planetary crises: climate, biodiversity, development, social and economic recovery. Nature delivers multiple benefits such as jobs and livelihood. It also addresses poverty, a key element of climate change mitigation and adaptation, and helps prevent the emergence of new diseases. Nature-based solutions are ready to be scaled up – nature can be on our side to fight.
– Mario Boccucci, Head, UN REDD Programme Secretariat (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | The Nature-based Solutions Agenda on 4 June 2020.)

In 2021, we need to protect more, at least 30% should be protected land and sea, but then we have to manage sustainably the rest.
– Marco Lambertini, Director General, WWF International (Speaking at “It’s Time for Nature” | GENeva World Environment Day Online Roundtable, on 5 June 2020)

Nature is our ally in building back better. Nature-based solutions could provide a reduction of a third of the greenhouse gases and are much more than climate change: Mangroves help reduce flooding and nature-based solutions create jobs.
– Stewart Maginnis, Global Director, Nature-based Solutions Group, IUCN (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | The Nature-based Solutions Agenda on 4 June 2020.)

It is a time of unprecedented opportunity to build back better, learn what is inherently flawed about our relationship with nature. Epidemiologists have been warning of a pandemic outbreak risk for decades. Drivers of pandemics are not new – not even for coronaviruses – and zoonotic disease emerged largely as a result of human activity. Biodiversity destruction (through deforestation, uncontrolled urbanization, agricultural intensification, landscape and seascape homogenization) increased the probability for domesticated animals to enter in contact with wildlife and generate a spill over.
– Cristina Romanelli, Interagency Liaison on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Health, WHO (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | Emerging Infectious Diseases and Ecosystems Health, on 3 June 2020.)

As countries exit their lockdowns, we hope to see investment and prioritization of a green economy, circular economy.
– Elisabeth Mrema, Executive Secretary, Convention on Biological Diversity (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP15), on 26 May 2020.)

There are many similarities between COVID-19 and climate change, but both give us opportunities – focus on the recovery, which opens unprecedented opportunities and hope such as recovery in a sustainable, green, healthy and safe manner. The SDGs are the best framework the world has at its disposal.
– Ovais Sarmad, Deputy Executive Secretary, UNFCCC (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | UNFCCC COP26, on 14 May 2020)

COVID-19 is triggering new questions for us as a society and for the scientific community such as the relation between human health, biodiversity and climate. To keep these risks at the lowest level we need to limit temperature increases to below 1.5°. If we continue on current trends, we are headed towards +4° of increase, which would affect more than 20% of all species, especially in the tropics. Increased exposure to and exploitation of wildlife, which increases the likelihood of diseases jumping species.
– Hans-Otto Pörtner, Co-chair, Working Group II, IPCC (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | The Impact of COVID-19 on Climate Science, on 2 July 2020)

Looking at the figures of plastic use, there is a doubt that the current regime is enough, more has to be done. A robust system has to address the entire lifecycle. We have to shift from this past idea that the main concern and task is to manage the waste. We have to come to a circular economy that thinks about the reduction of use, improve designs of substitutes and so on. We have to do some further work on how can we address the lifecycle, what is a robust regime to address it? What are the voluntary measures that we can take? What are the more legally binding measures that we can take, what are the base steps?
– Felix Wertli, Head of the Global Affairs Section, Switzerland (Speaking at Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues | Plastics and Waste, on 26 November 2020.)

Greenhouse gases are emitted at each stage of the plastic lifecycle and plastic pollution is a significant and growing threat to the earth’s climate. Stopping the expansion of petrochemical and plastic production and keeping fossil fuels in the ground is a critical element in addressing the climate crisis.
– Steven Feit, Senior Attorney for the Climate and Energy Program, CIEL (Speaking at Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues | Plastics, Climate and Air Pollution, on 10 December 2020.)

If we don’t manage wastes efficiently and safely, health consequences will follow.
– Rolph Payet, Executive Director, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat

The Water Convention helps countries jointly address issues related to transboundary water cooperation, such as preventing transboundary impacts, preventing pollution, adapting to climate change, responding to water related disasters, and managing water in integrated ways.
– Sonja Koeppel, Secretary to the Water Convention, UNECE (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | The Water Convention and Transboundary Water Cooperation, on 26 May 2020)

The Minamata Convention can be seen as a solution to build back better, especially for the most vulnerable communities such as millions working in small-scale artisanal gold mining (ASGM) and still using mercury in their practices, indigenous people and communities relying on marine food, and pregnant women and children who are at particular risk to be exposed to toxic mercury.
– Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention Secretariat (Speaking at the Special Briefing on the 4th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury | Minamata Online, on 3 November 2020.)

There is a need for international science-based assessment of plastics and chemicals. The assessment should cease cross cutting issues and should increase the visibility of the urgency for action, in a timely way. At the same time, scientific assessment should not delay implementation because we already have robust science on hazardous substances and waste and action is needed now.
– Marcos A. Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on the implications for human rights of the environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes (Speaking at Chemicals and Waste | From Science to Policy, Global Issues of Concern, Challenges and Opportunities | GENeva UNEA Briefing, on 20 October 2020)

Evidence-based studies show that regulated trade of a specie has an impact on conservation – incentive on preserving the species, since those whose livelihood depends on the trade of that species will want to preserve it to keep the trade possible.
– Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General, CITES (Speaking at GENeva Environment Dialogues | CITES and its Upcoming Committee Meetings on 5 May 2020)

The recognition of the right to a healthy environment has been constitutionally guaranteed by 110 UN member states, while 101 states guaranteed it through environmental legislation and 125 states signed and ratified a regional human rights agreement mentioning this right – over 80% of UN member states already have a legal obligation to respect and protect this right.
– David Boyd, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights and the environment (Speaking at HRC43 Side Event | Good practices on the Right to a Healthy Environment & next steps, on 28 February 2020.)

The ILO works with countries on developing skills strategies at the sector level and implementing skill development. They work on green sectors such as renewable energy to help countries to identify which skills will be needed to develop them. The ILO achieves this by mainstreaming the green elements into the tools that they implement in countries.
– Olga Strietska-Ilina, Senior Specialist, Skills and Employability, SKILLS, ILO (Speaking at Launch | ILO Environmental Sustainability Action Plans 2018-21, on 29 October 2020.)

There is a need to hard code environmental goals and norms into the operating system of the digital economy; to use digital technologies to nudge, incentivize, amplify and accelerate sustainable consumption and production; and to collaboratively solve four major problems that will unlock structural transformations in global value-chains.
– David Jensen, Head, Policy and Innovation, UNEP Environment Crisis Management Branch, The Digital Cooperation Agenda (Speaking at The Environmental Agenda of International Geneva, on 1 September 2020.)

COVID-19 can present us with an opportunity: we have a one in a generation chance to build back better. Decisions we take today, in the recovery phase, will either lay the foundations for sound, sustainable and inclusive growth or lock down polluting emissions for decades to come. A recovery that is science-led and that has the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at its heart.
– H.E. Amb. Miriam Shearman, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations in Geneva (Speaking at the GENeva Environment Dialogues on the Impact of COVID-19 on Climate Science, on 2 July 2020.)

2019 in Review

2018 in Review

We thank you for your support and collaboration in 2018 and look forward to another exciting year.

Thousands of colleagues working for international organizations, forums, federations, academic institutions, business, non-governmental and governmental organizations contributed this year again to making Geneva a global hub for environmental governance. Congratulations for all the good work you do!

Click here for the list of events organized by the Geneva Environment Network in 2018.

Our selection of quotes for the year

“There’s no excuse any longer for saying we don’t understand how Human Rights apply to the environment.”
Professor John Knox, former Special Rapporteur on Human Rights & the Environment, during the launch of the United Nations Environment Programme Environmental Rights Initiative, March 2018

“At 2°C our islands will be under water!”
Young woman representative from the Marshall Islands, during the 1st-ever Climate Science & Humanitarian Dialogue, October 2018

“Governments must give priority to what is clean, not to what is not clean. Environmentally-oriented policies bring about massive added value for the economy.”
Bertrand Piccard, Initiator & Chairman of the Solar Impulse Foundation, during the WTO Trade Forum, October 2018.

“Half a degree matters, each year matters, each choice matters!”
Valérie Masson-Delmotte, co-chair of IPCC WGI for the AR6, during the presentation of the IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels at the 1st-ever Climate Science & Humanitarian Dialogue, October 2018

“The world has turned the corner on tobacco. Now it must do the same for the ‘new tobacco’ – the toxic air that billions breathe every day,” “No one, rich or poor, can escape air pollution. It is a silent public health emergency.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s director general, First WHO Global Conference on Air Pollution and Health, October–November 2018

“Humanity doesn’t own nature. Nature has rights. Rivers rights have been recognized by tribunals. Love nature. Think back at your happy times, chances are that you were somewhere with nature. Renaissance of nature is what we need.”
Inger Andersen, IUCN Director General, during the IUCN 70th Anniversary event “Nature’s contribution to the 2030 Agenda” at the Graduate Institute, October 2018

“The severity of the plastic pollution problem and its impacts on human health and the environment are undeniable and require urgent action. We cannot let a few countries or industries sectors prevent much-needed and overdue action from the global community.”
David Azoulay, Managing Attorney, CIEL, during the Basel Convention OEWG11, September 2018