Discover What’s Happening in Geneva: Your Guide to Environmental Events from February 24 to March 2, 2025

The Geneva Environment Network shares vital updates on the global environmental agenda. This newsletter includes news about job openings, events, and other resources. Follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube for more updates, or check our website regularly.

Image of the Week| In anticipation of the 7th edition of the FIFDH Impact Days scheduled for March 9-11, 2025, a workshop took place on February 17. This workshop gathered non-governmental and international organizations to discuss selected films and projects for this year’s event. One highlighted film was “Yurlu | Country,” which was part of the Geneva Toxic Free Talks on the effects of asbestos on Indigenous Australians.

Environmental Focus at the 58th Session of the Human Rights Council

The 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC58) kicks off this week in Geneva. Starting with the high-level segment from February 24-26, it will host over 125 dignitaries and cover several environmental topics over six weeks. Key discussions will include:

• The UN Special Rapporteur on a clean, healthy environment, Astrid Puentes, will present a report linking ocean issues to human rights.
• The UN Independent Expert, Attiya Waris, will discuss climate finance, debt, and their human rights implications.
• Special Rapporteur Michael Fakhri will look at national plans to ensure the right to food amid climate challenges.
• Mary Lawlor will report on the unique challenges faced by human rights defenders in remote areas.
• The Council will appoint new members to the Expert Mechanism on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights.
• Several environment-focused resolutions will be tabled, including those on clean environments and the mandate renewal of the Special Rapporteur on the right to food.

This week’s highlights include:

• Opening of the session followed by High-level segment | February 24, 2025 | 9:00 CET | Palais des Nations & Online
• Advancing the universal human right to a clean environment | HRC58 Side Event | February 24, 2025 | 14:30 CET | Palais des Nations
• Greenwashing in Sustainable Projects | HRC58 Side Event | February 25, 2025 | 13:00 CET | Palais des Nations
• Implementing Foreign Policy with a Human Rights Lens | HRC58 Side Event | February 25, 2025 | 14:00 CET | Palais des Nations

→ For updates on environmental issues at HRC58 and information on side events, visit our dedicated section.

Plastics Treaty Update

Discussions continue behind closed doors about the location and timing of the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution (INC-5.2). While no final decision is made, it is likely to occur in Geneva this summer.

The Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues return this week to clarify the treaty’s status and address key challenges. This session will gather insights crucial for crafting a robust treaty. → Join on Webex on February 27, 2025, from 14:00 to 15:30 CET.

Recently, organizations have called for better participation in treaty discussions. Various groups have written to the Bureau to highlight this issue and request greater engagement in the process.

Latest publications on plastic pollution include:

• Ocean Conservancy’s Plastics Policy 101 report | A briefing on plastic pollution and policy solutions for the U.S.

World Wildlife Day is Coming

Celebrations for World Wildlife Day kick off this week in Geneva, hosted by CITES and other wildlife protection organizations. Observed on March 3rd, this year’s theme is “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet.” This year also marks CITES’ 50th anniversary.

Activities this week include:

• CITES Flags on Pont du Mont-Blanc| February 24-March 2, 2025
• World Wildlife Day: The extinct plants of our herbarium | March 1, 2025 | Explore past extinctions in plant species.
• Exhibition Launch | CITES 50th Anniversary

UN Biodiversity Conference Resumed Sessions

The second part of the UN Biodiversity Conference, originally held in Cali, resumes this week in Rome, Italy. This conference focuses on global biodiversity protections and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It opens discussions on unresolved items from earlier meetings.

Key topics will include:

• Establishment of the Cali Fund for benefit-sharing from industries utilizing genetic resources.
• More inclusive roles for Indigenous Peoples in biodiversity decisions.
• Health and biodiversity impacts, among other issues.

For live updates, follow the IISD Earth Negotiations Bulletin.

Upcoming Deadlines Related to the Environment

• Fossil fuel-based economy and human rights | Deadline: February 28, 2025 More Info
• Water and Energy Nexus | Deadline: February 28, 2025 More Info
• Democratic water governance | Deadline: February 28, 2025 More Info

The environment is a pressing issue, and your participation in discussions is vital. Here are some engaging events happening in Geneva as winter holidays approach:

• Musée a Ciel Ouvert | City of Geneva: Explore artworks throughout the city.
• Animal Courtship Parades | February 25-27, 2025 | Activities for children exploring animal mating behaviors.
• Natural Cosmetics Workshop | February 26, 2025 | Create eco-friendly beauty products.

Read More:

• GCF Approves $686 Million for Climate Projects | Green Climate Fund | February 21, 2025
• UNEP Calls for Sustainable Collaboration | UNEP | February 18, 2025
• New Guidelines for Rhino Conservation | IUCN | February 18, 2025