The aim of the Swiss events is to highlight Swiss academic and scientific expertise on a global platform. Three panel discussions with Swiss experts will take place during COP29 in the Cryosphere Pavilion. The first will explore the role of urban resilience to climate change linking local, urban sustainability cities to global climate processes. The second panel will delve into international environmental and climate negotiations, focussing on governance mechanisms and cooperation strategies. The third panel will discuss the critical role of the cryosphere – including glaciers, snow and permafrost – for drinking water supply, irrigation and hydropower. The events focus on three key objectives: enhancing communication of scientific findings; networking research institutes with international organisations, NGOs, funding bodies and philanthropic institutions; and supporting researchers involved in international climate negotiations.

This is the first time Eawag is taking the lead in coordinating the participation of the institutes of the ETH domain at a UN Global Climate Summit. The initiative originated from the organisation of a workshop by Eawag and WSL held this year in Baku at ADA University, in collaboration with the University of Geneva. Together with the University of Geneva and the Swiss Embassy in Azerbaijan, Eawag then designed and organised the three panels. They were supported by the ETH Board. The two Eawag researchers Tural Aliyev from the Environmental Social Sciences department and Abishek Narayan from the Sanitation and Water for Development department as well as researchers from ETH Zurich, Empa, ZHAW, the University of Geneva and the Geneva Water Hub will take part in the discussions on site.

Tural Aliyev is convinced, that “COP29 holds great importance as it offers a platform to amplify the role of science for climate change action. It is a pivotal moment to highlight Swiss innovation and thought leadership and present Eawag's work on social-environmental resilience and sustainable urban development. For Eawag this is a great opportunity to strengthen ties with various UN institutions.”