This special event with high-level participation will facilitate the exchange of experiences and feature actions to implement the Minamata Convention that also bring other socio-economic, human and environmental benefits. It will take place from 13h15 to 14h30 CET at the International Conference Centre Geneva, Switzerland.
The event will feature diverse voices, including high-level representatives from Parties, IGOs and MEA secretariats, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples, youth and scientists engaged in environmental causes.
Opening of the special event, featuring speakers such as:
- Osvaldo Alvarez Perez, Chile, President of the COP-6 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
- Claudia Vega, 2025 TED fellow, Mercury Program Coordinator at the Wake Forest-affiliated Center for Amazonian Scientific Innovation (CINCIA)
- Katrin Schneeberger, State Secretary and Director, Federal Office for the Environment, Switzerland
- Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme
- Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
- Dr. Rüdiger Krech, Director, Environment, Climate Change, World Health Organization
- Fernando Trujillo, conservation scientist and National Geographic Rolex Explorer of the Year
- Alexyss McClellan-Ufugusuku (Uchinaanchu), Mercury Youth Task Force co-lead, Chemicals and Waste Youth Platform and Global Indigenous Youth Caucus
- Chizuru Aoki, Manager, Conventions and Funds Division, GEF Secretariat
- Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Closing message and Invitation to the photo exhibit Minamata: Photographer’s Eye Project: Aileen Mioko Smith, Executive Director of Green Action in Japan.
The event is moderated by Brenda Koekkoek, Senior Coordinator, Minamata Convention Secretariat.