Geneva Environment Network (GEN) 25-Anniversary, High-Level Closing Panel

Speech from Katrin Schneeberger, Director of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), on 20 January 2025 at the International Environment House in Geneva.

Excellency, distinguished panelist, guests and colleagues,

It is a great honor to join you today at this High-Level Closing Panel. We are here not only to celebrate 25 years of the Geneva Environment Network (GEN) – a cornerstone of international environmental governance since 1998 – but also to celebrate the numerous institutions in international Geneva that contribute to making Geneva a global hub for environmental governance.

We must acknowledge that multilateralism has faced significant pressure in recent years, testing its resilience and effectiveness. Yet, it remains our most powerful tool for addressing global environmental challenges – uniting us to protect our planet, while keeping humanity at the heart of our efforts.

The GEN has tirelessly fostered dialogue, cooperation, and action among diverse stakeholders, strengthening our response to the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. An important task!

Over the last 50 years, environment has made it to the top of the political agenda. It is more concrete action that we now need across the globe. Let me mention four key elements to achieve progress:

First: Science was and is the driver for environmental policies. Science-policy panels like the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) here in Geneva provide us with the robust science. We are about to conclude this year the negotiations for the Science-policy panel on chemicals, waste and pollution. Such panels provide the global scientific consensus on how we could act to address the global challenges. We all know about the importance of robust scientific grounds.

Second: Commitment, we have ourselves committed as international community to address plastic pollution and find sustainable solutions. While we are ready to listen to the socio-economic concerns and find suitable solutions, a meaningful treaty is only a treaty that addresses all stages of the life-cycle and the problem of hazardous chemicals. The Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution dialogues, organized by the GEN, are a successfuexample of facilitating engagement and discussion among stakeholders in International Geneva and way beyond. And looking at the stakeholders present in Geneva, such as the WHO, WTO, UNEP’s chemicals and waste cluster, the BRS-conventions or the ILO, this underlines the unique institutional setting of international Geneva, a setting that is not only contributing to the negotiations but will be crucial to support the implementation of the convention.

Third: Effectiveness, we have to use available resources in efficient ways. The BRS conventions are certainly a very positive example on how to create and harness synergies. I am also convinced that the Bern process that brings together all biodiversity relevant conventions is the way to create synergies and enhance impact, not only on the global but also the national level.

And talking about Biodiversity, it is my pleasure to let you know that the Swiss Federal Council has approved last week the signing of the Agreement on Marine Biodiversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and the launch of the ratification process.

Fourth: Relevance, the demand for minerals is at an all-time high, driven largely by the energy transition. However, mineral production negatively impacts biodiversity and increases pollution. We must ensure that addressing climate change does not exacerbate these issues. Our goal is to create a positive outcome for society and future generations. I am pleased to announce the launch of the Geneva Dialogues on Mineral and Metal Resources in February. These dialogues, organized and held by GEN, will foster synergies among various stakeholders in Geneva and beyond. They will highlight efforts from governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society to strengthen coordinated action on sustainable mineral management.

For all of these key elements the GEN has a supportive role. In fact the GEN is a „hidden champion“. Despite its modest size the GEN is successful because of its innovation and high product quality.

The GEN is a key instrument to raise awareness and ensure engagement on environmental issues through different formats out of Genevea across the globe.

Once again, I congratulate the Geneva Environment Network on its achievements and thank all who have contributed to its success. Let's look forward to many more years of strengthening environmental governance.

Thank you.