Global Cities Hub Celebrates 25 Years of Environmental Collaboration in Geneva

The Global Cities Hub (GCH) was privileged to contribute to the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Geneva Environment Network (GEN) at the beginning of this week (20 January). With over 600 participants, including many eager to collaborate with cities, the event underscored Geneva’s role as a major player in global environmental action. During the event, the GCH engaged with high-profile stakeholders, including UNEP Executive Director Ms. Inger Andersen, to strengthen partnerships and explore pathways for greater collaboration.

Servicing the second-largest hub for multilateral environmental governance, the UNEP Geneva Office gathers an important community to tackle critical challenges. During the event, many participants, including heads of UN agencies and diplomats, expressed growing interest in working with subnational governments to address pressing global environmental concerns, such as pollution and plastic waste, which constitute priorities for local and regional governments. Interlocutors also emphasized the importance of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, as preparations are underway for the Triple COP of these conventions, set to take place in Geneva from late April to early May 2025.

In this context, the GCH has positioned itself as a platform for connecting cities and regions with UNEP. Highlighting the critical role of UNEP Geneva, the GCH reaffirms its commitment to fostering collaboration between local and regional governments and relevant UNEP’s environmental initiatives.

Amidst consistent rumours about the INC 5.2 negotiations on plastic pollution potentially being held in Geneva, the GCH is poised to take a leading role on LRGs involvement within the Coalition of Subnational and Local Governments on Plastic Pollution, using its network to advocate for political support from member states and amplify the Coalition’s impact on the negotiation outcomes.

Looking ahead, the GCH is committed to deepening its partnerships with GEN, UNEP and other key actors to promote innovative approaches to tackling urban environmental challenges at global level. Better involvement of LRGs into global environmental processes would yield more sustainable results and contribute to a better future for all.

Stay tuned for our forthcoming event, “What’s on the International Agenda for Cities and Regions in 2025,” and register here to join us. Together, we’ll continue to build bridges between local action and global impact.