Latest Developments in Geneva’s Environmental Agenda: February 17-23, 2025

The Geneva Environment Network’s weekly newsletter provides the latest updates on the global environmental agenda, key events, job opportunities, and other valuable resources. Stay connected by following us on X (Twitter), Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube, or regularly check our website for further news.

Image of the Week

Panelists and attendees engage in bilateral discussions following the launch of the Geneva Dialogues on Mineral and Metal Resources, held at the International Environment House on 13 February 2025. © Geneva Environment Network

Impact Days 2025 | Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights

The 23rd edition of the Geneva International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights (FIFDH 2025) will take place from 7 to 16 March 2025, under the theme “Between Anger and Tenderness: Cinema to Rethink the World.” This year, the festival will prominently feature environmental themes, with various films, exhibitions, and conferences addressing the connections between human rights issues and topics such as toxic substances, minerals and metals, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and the challenges faced by environmental and human rights defenders.

The 7th edition of FIFDH Impact Days, scheduled from 9 to 11 March 2024, will unite NGOs, filmmakers, impact practitioners, and funders to develop collaborative strategies around shared human rights themes, including environmental concerns. This event will spotlight documentary projects aimed at refining impact goals and fostering partnerships among a diverse array of organizations, policymakers, and funders in International Geneva. An Impact Days Collaboration Workshop for NGOs and international organizations will be held on Monday, 17 February 2025, providing a platform for discussions about this year’s selected films and potential synergies.

WHO 156th Executive Board Concludes Preparations for the 78th World Health Assembly

The 156th session of the World Health Organization’s Executive Board, chaired by Jerome Walcott, Health Minister of Barbados, recently concluded. The Board resumed discussions and adopted draft decisions and resolutions for consideration at the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA).

Key outcomes included:
– Adoption of a draft decision on advancing global support for a lead-free future, as outlined in document EB156/CONF./11, with Argentina dissociating from the consensus.
– Ongoing discussions regarding the impact of nuclear weapons and nuclear warfare on health services, without reaching a consensus.
– Adoption of a draft decision to enhance the global response to the adverse health effects of air pollution, requesting the Director-General to provide an implementation progress report at WHA83 in 2030.
– Amendments to the Draft Global Action Plan on Climate Change and Health, with informal consultations to continue prior to WHA78.

During the closing remarks on 11 February, WHO’s Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reiterated the organization’s concern regarding the United States’ intention to withdraw from WHO, expressing hope for a reconsideration of this decision.

Road to Belém: UN Climate Change Conference

As climate change experts and leaders prepare for the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP30) in Belém, Brazil, this November, it marks a decade since the Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015.

In the lead-up to the conference, many opportunities exist to strengthen climate action. However, a recent analysis revealed that 182 Member States missed the deadline to submit their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 10 February 2025. Only 13 of the 195 Parties submitted their NDCs, emphasizing the need for increased commitment and action ahead of COP30.

61st Munich Security Conference

The recent Munich Security Conference highlighted the critical importance of addressing climate security, with discussions led by heads of various Geneva institutions. Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29, represented Azerbaijan and engaged with key figures to explore ways to enhance climate initiatives in line with the ambitious goals set forth in the Baku to Belém Roadmap.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution will convene on 20 February, while the Human Rights Council Advisory Committee will hold discussions on the implications of plastic pollution for human rights from 17 to 21 February in Geneva.

Research and Articles of Interest

Recent studies are shedding light on the impacts of plastic pollution and climate change, including:
– The effects of tire particles on soil health and earthworm fitness, as detailed in Environmental Pollution.
– Exploration of cooperation and standards for non-plastic substitutes at the WTO.
– Discussions on the implications of microplastics found in human brains.

Calls for Submissions

Various international processes are inviting inputs for future reports and guidelines related to environmental issues. Notable calls include:
– The IPBES workshop to better account for diverse knowledge systems.
– UNEA-7’s request for initial thoughts on the draft ministerial declaration.

Job Opportunities

Several positions are available in the environmental sector, including roles focused on climate change, human rights, and sustainability. Check our job listings for more details.

Stay tuned for more updates and opportunities related to environmental initiatives in Geneva and beyond.