A Global Hub for Environmental Governance
“Geneva – the operational hub of multilateral diplomacy – provides the foundation for our work, which is built on the need to bridge cultures, to develop a network of both traditional and non-traditional partners, as we address the world’s most significant social, economic, and environmental challenges.”
– US Ambassador Pamela Hamamoto, 2016
In order to support Geneva as an international center of competence for the environment, Switzerland and the Canton of Geneva inaugurated the International Environment House in 1999.
Geneva Environment Network
The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) is a cooperative partnership of more than 100 environmental and sustainable development organizations based at the International Environment House in Geneva and the surrounding region. Established in 1999, GEN organizes events and promotes awareness on environmental issues. The Secretariat is supported by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment and is administered by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Key Areas and SDGs
The environmental organizations based in Geneva have expertise in different fields and work towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Geneva and its surrounding area have been active in global environmental governance for more than 50 years. In addition, important and strategic historical meetings have taken place in the region.