The Geneva Science-Policy Interface and the Geneva Environment Network: a shared commitment to science-informed environmental policy

Written by

Published on

January 29, 2025

Written by Arantxa Cedillo

This year, the Geneva Environment Network (GEN) celebrates its 25th anniversary of advancing global environmental governance. As we mark this significant achievement, we at the Geneva Science-Policy Interface (GSPI) also reflect on our strong collaboration with GEN in promoting science-based environmental policies and connecting the scientific community with policymakers.

Aligning missions for environmental governance

At the core of our partnership is a shared goal: ensuring environmental policies are shaped by the best scientific evidence.

GEN has long been a key platform for international environmental collaboration, bringing together diverse stakeholders—ranging from United Nations agencies to NGOs—to drive discussions on pressing issues like climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. On the other hand, we at GSPI are dedicated to promoting the integration of scientific research into international policy. By facilitating connections between academic institutions and policy actors, we ensure that scientific insights inform the decisions shaping our collective environmental future.

The alignment of GEN’s broad environmental collaboration with our focus on science-driven policy has been vital in creating stronger, more effective environmental governance.

Capacity building and strengthening science-policy links

One of the key areas of our collaboration has been capacity-building. Through joint initiatives, impactful dialogues, and training events, both organisations have sought to bridge the professional culture’s gap between science and policy experts. Notably, the Geneva Summer School—where GEN has been a key collaborator—has been providing emerging leaders from research, policy, and knowledge brokers with essential skills and networks for science-policy engagement.

These collaborative efforts are essential for addressing complex environmental challenges, as they empower individuals and institutions to develop solutions that are not only innovative but also grounded in scientific evidence.

GSPI's Mialy Rann poses for a photograph with alumni at the GSPI booth presented at the GEN 25th Anniversary Event. Credit: GSPI

Collaborating on dialogue and advocacy

GEN and GSPI’s collaboration has enabled the exchange of knowledge and promoted the sharing of best practices, such as by organising dialogues with practitioners on the benefits and difficulty of participating in international science-policy panels.

Through their joint efforts, both organisations have underscored the importance of multilateralism and cooperative action in addressing environmental issues.

GEN's 25th anniversary celebration: a reflection on the importance of the science-policy interface

GEN’s 25th anniversary culminated in a high-level event, "Multilateralism looking at the future – protecting the environment with humanity at the center" at the Environmental House in Geneva.This panel brought together a distinguished group of experts, including Inger Andersen (Executive Director of UNEP), Katrin Schneeberger (Director of International Affairs at the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment), Celeste Saulo (World Meteorological Organization), and several high-level diplomats and environmental advocates.

In her opening speech, FOEN Director Katrin Schneeberger emphasised the importance of intergovernmental cooperation in tackling cross-border environmental problems. She highlighted how critical multilateral approaches are to addressing global environmental challenges and underscored the vital role that GEN and International Geneva play in facilitating cooperation and driving global solutions.

Barbados' Ambassador to the UN, H.E. Matthew Wilson, also spoke passionately during the event, stating: "We need to harness the power of partnerships for purpose. And here in the Geneva ecosystem, we are part of the solution. The GEN helps us cut through the white noise to key issues, events, reporting, and analysis that small delegations need. For SIDS like Barbados, you are a platform to amplify our voices and strengthen our involvement in environmental policy development and negotiations." This sentiment highlights the crucial role GEN plays in amplifying the voices of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), ensuring they are actively involved in shaping environmental policy at the international level.

During the panel discussions, speakers highlighted the importance of the science-policy interface in addressing global environmental challenges. Inger Andersen, in particular, underscored the need for evidence-based policies to guide action on climate change, biodiversity, and other critical environmental issues. She was a strong advocate on the role of collaboration and shared knowledge in confronting the planetary crisis.

FOEN Director Katrin Schneeberger introduces the panel Multilateralism looking at the future – protecting the environment with humanity at the center" at the Environmental House in Geneva. Credit: GSPI

Looking toward the future: continued partnership for a sustainable planet

As GEN celebrates its 25th anniversary, GSPI remains committed to supporting its mission and advancing the shared goal of science-informed environmental governance. The challenges ahead—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, and more—are immense. But knowledge brokering platforms such as GEN and GSPI are here to help academics, policy professionals and practitioners to build mutual understanding and trust to align towards addressing complex environmental issues.

GEN’s anniversary provides a valuable opportunity to renew our collective commitment to protecting the planet and building a sustainable future for generations to come.

Here’s to the continued success of the Geneva Environment Network and to the ongoing partnership between GSPI and GEN in advancing global environmental governance.