From 3 to 4 June, the United Nations in Brussels (UN) is participating in the EU Green Week 2026 high-level conference in Brussels.
At a dedicated UN stand, the participating entities will showcase key initiatives and practical approaches that promote investment in nature as well as the sustainable management of natural resources. These efforts demonstrate how protecting and restoring ecosystems generate benefits across the socio-economic systems, and contribute to climate action, resilience, and sustainable development.
Through interactive elements, including a quiz and audio-visual material, the stand will highlight impactful initiatives implemented by the UN worldwide, including some in partnership with the European Union.
In summary:
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will jointly showcase UN-REDD+ (United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation), highlighting the role of forests and nature-based solutions in climate mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and water resilience.
- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) will present projects funded by the EU under the Global Gateway, including the NAVAC project and its work in Petén, Guatemala, highlighting efforts to promote sustainable and climate-resilient food systems.
- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will present its work on nature-based solutions and other approaches that strengthen water and climate resilience in the context of human mobility.
- The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will highlight its work, including initiatives led in Brussels, on the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment, engaging visitors through a joint quiz, publications, and videos.
- The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will showcase the Biodiversity Financing initiative (BIOFIN), funded by the EU and partners, which has unlocked over $2.7 billion for nature, helping ensure that infrastructure initiatives protect the planet.
- The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) will also make the case for investing in nature. This includes work on nature and insurability, investments and finance for a sustainable ocean economy, but also on the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, linking these efforts to the World Environment Day 2026 theme of climate action and the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030).
- Through examples from UNESCO Global Geoparks, Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage sites, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will illustrate how investing in nature can foster smart and sustainable regional growth, support innovation and livelihoods, and promote environmental preservation alongside long-term economic development.
- The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) will demonstrate its commitment to addressing long-standing structural gaps in Somalia’s agri-food sector.
These gaps emerged following years of institutional collapse, which weakened infrastructure, quality systems, and essential services. While progress has been made, key challenges remain in public health, safety, and compliance with quality standards. The programme will strengthen value chains and institutional capacities in regulation, inspection, and quality assuranc to align with international standards and improve trade opportunities.
Furthermore; on 3 June, Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, will take part in the high-level plenary session “Investing in nature, investing in resilience.” The session will highlight how, in the face of geopolitical instability and growing pressure on food, water and energy systems, investing in nature is essential for Europe’s resilience, economic stability and long-term competitiveness.
The UN is also participating in EU Green Week partner events: keep an eye on the EU Green Week partner events section.
Together, these contributions underline why investing in nature is essential for climate resilience and long-term prosperity.
Links to Featured Initiatives and Resources
Browse a selection of initiatives, publications and tools showcased by the UN entities at the EU Green Week stand:
FAO – Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
- FISH4ACP project: https://www.fao.org/fish4acp/en
- NAVAC project: https://www.fao.org/europeanunion/projects/global-gateway/navac/en
- Promoting the ecological transition of Petén: https://www.fao.org/europeanunion/projects/global-gateway/peten/en
- United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation UNREDD (jointly with UNEP and UNDP)
IOM – International Organization for Migration
- Studies/videos/stories on Nature-based Solutions and Human Mobility:
- Pilot programmes on water resilience :
OHCHR – Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
- OHCHR Representation to the EU thematic page on the Environment and climate change: https://europe.ohchr.org/areas-of-work/environment
- OHCHR QR codes to tools and resources on the environment and human rights: https://europe.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2026-05/QR%20code%20to%20environment%20and%20human%20rights%20publications.pdf
- OHCHR Representation to the EU’s contribution to the EU water Framework directive: https://europe.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/OHCHR%20Contribution%20to%20the%20EU%20revision%20of%20the%20Water%20Framework%20Directive.pdf
- OHCHR resources to the right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment: https://www.ohchr.org/en/topic/climate-change-and-environment
UNDP – United Nations Development Programme
- United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation UNREDD (jointly with FAO and UNEP)
- Biodiversity Finance Initiative BIOFIN
UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme
- UNEP Finance Initiative (UNEP FI): Insurance for Nature Positive
- UNEP Report: State of Finance for Nature 2026
- The Ocean Investment Protocol
- UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) Led by FAO and UNEP.
- World Environment Day 2026 (5 June): #NowForClimate. Campaign materials and « 50 Cities at 50 °C » .
- United Nations Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation UNREDD (jointly with FAO and UNDP)
- Sport for the environment: from awareness to investment (Online EU Green Week Partner event on 29 June)
UNESCO – United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
- World Heritage natural sites (EU examples)
- Scientific programmes (Man and Biosphere Programme)
- NBSINFRA City Nature- Based Solutions Integration to Local Urban Infrastructure Protection for a Climate Resilient Society (2023-2026): A pioneering EU-funded initiative advancing nature-based solutions to safeguard critical urban infrastructure against natural and human-induced hazards, building climate-resilient cities across five European “City Labs” in Ireland, Germany, Bulgaria, Portugal, and Czechia. Link to project: nbsinfra.eu
- ALBATROSS Advancing Knowledge for Long- Term Benefits and Climate Adaptation through Holistic climate services and Nature- Based Solutions (2024- 2027): Advancing climate services and nature-based solutions to help African regions adapt to climate change, bringing together 17 partners from 14 African and European countries across five countries: Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, and Madagascar. Link to project: albatross-project.eu
- SOILSCAPE — Spreading Open and Inclusive Literacy and Soil Culture through Artistic Practices and Education (2024-2028): A 4-year EU-funded project harnessing the power of culture and creativity to cultivate soil literacy and promote soil preservation across Europe, supporting the EU Mission “A Soil Deal for Europe” and the transition towards healthy soils by 2030. UNESCO is a key partner in the project. Link to project: soilscape.eu
UNIDO – United Nations Industrial Development Organization
- UNIDO fosters international partnerships for entrepreneurs from Somalia
- lUNIDO Circular Economy and Green Industry
- UNIDO supports MSMEs as catalysts for sustainable growth
More about the programme: 3-4 June Conference – EU Green Week – European Union
More about the UN Team in Brussels: https://unric.org/en/un-in-brussels/
