The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) is a cooperative partnership of over 100 institutions and organizations active in the fields of environment and sustainable development. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the network was established in 1999 to facilitate collaboration, communication, and synergy among diverse actors involved in international environmental governance.
The GEN is supported by the Swiss Confederation through the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and is managed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Its primary objective is to promote cooperation between United Nations agencies, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, and local authorities.
Key activities of the network include:
- Information Sharing: Providing a platform for members to disseminate information regarding environmental policies, scientific research, and international negotiations.
- Event Coordination: Organizing and hosting conferences, workshops, and roundtables to address global environmental challenges, often centered at the International Environment House in Geneva.
- Capacity Building: Supporting the development of expertise among stakeholders to enhance the implementation of environmental agreements and sustainable development goals.
- Public Outreach: Raising awareness of global environmental issues and the work being conducted within the Geneva-based international community.
The Geneva Environment Network serves as a focal point for the high concentration of environmental expertise located in the Geneva region, which is a major hub for international diplomacy and global environmental policy formulation.
