Acceleration Days 2026 | Heading towards 3ºC: How do we step up together?

As scientists urge countries to prepare for a catastrophic 3ºC of global heating, hundreds of millions already face threats to their habitats and livelihoods. Our annual event gathered key actors providing essential services to populations to discuss how to step up action, reinforce commitments, scale up and fill the gap amid growing political uncertainty.

Building on Geneva’s role as an international hub, we explored how pragmatic dialogue, cooperation and investment on collective levers may allow high-trust sectors to better adapt to the climate emergency, do their part to reduce emissions and influence others across societies.

We showcased examples from local and international organisations proving that climate action aligned with science is both feasible and affordable. Together, we identified ways to contribute to this crucial universal challenge by leveraging each actor’s strengths and diversity, promoting actionable solutions and sharing resources through enhanced interaction.

Practical information

🗓️ Wednesday, 25 March 2026 | 08:45 to 17:30 (followed by a cocktail)

📌 Auditorium Ivan Pictet A1B, Maison de la Paix, Geneva and online

🌐 Interpretation services in English and French

Explore the sessions

Welcome speech

• Anne de Riedmatten, Deputy Director General for International Affairs, Canton of Geneva

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

Keynote speech

Addressing the climate crisis requires leadership that connects science, policy and society. This keynote address will emphasize urgent preparation as we head towards 3°C and what it means for essential services delivery, urging to shift away from fossil fuel dependence and safeguard the natural ecosystems our livelihoods rely on.

• Roberta Boscolo, Head, Climate and Energy Unit, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Explore the presentation here.

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

Spotlight on the Accelerator

In this session, we share our original approach to climate action acceleration, our key projects to date and insights from the work with our partners in Europe, Africa, Asia and America.

• Bruno Jochum, Executive Director, Climate Action Accelerator
• Sonja Schmid, Head of Climate Solutions & Analytics, Climate Action Accelerator
• Zaninka Ntagungira, Programme Manager, Climate Action Accelerator

Explore the presentations here.

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

Inspiring initiatives by our partners

Whether they rescue people at sea, deliver healthcare to patients, educate young professionals or innovate through research, our partners have important experiences and lessons to share. They will explain how they progressively turn their commitments into practice and how their mandate will benefit from the implementation of climate solutions.

• Christophe Chaubeau, Deputy to the General Manager, Les Sauveteurs en Mer (SNSM)
• Louis Mauler, Climate & Environment Advisor, Terre des Hommes Foundation
• Dr. Serge Breysse, Director General, Solthis

Explore the presentations here:

• Les Sauveteurs en Mer
• Terre des Hommes Foundation
• Solthis

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

From climate backlash to remobilisation: how do we collaborate effectively to deliver a better future?

With international stability and cooperation under threat, climate and biodiversity commitments risk being sidelined. This session explores how essential service providers can step up and what collaborative dialogue and investments are needed. High-level speakers will explore how Geneva’s role as an international hub can help turn current challenges into an opportunity for progress.

• Juliate Keya Malakar, Executive Director, CCDB Climate Centre, Bangladesh
• Ninni Ikkala Nyman, Lead, Climate and Environment, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
• Sophie Meisser, Head of the Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) Division, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG)
• Jean-Pierre Reymond, Executive Director, 2050 Today
• Miriam G. Medel García, Head of the Environment Team, Permanent Mission of Mexico in Geneva

Moderated by Bruno Jochum, Executive Director, Climate Action Accelerator

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

Lightning talks: Short presentations of climate-smart action in practice

Speakers shared concrete case studies on:

• Service delivery & programming: embedding climate into core operations
  • Murtaza Mukhtar, Head of Clinical Operations, Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania
• Greening medical procedures: how to provide sustainable, low-carbon quality care
  • Dr. Xavier Raingeval, Anaesthetist, Climate Action Accelerator
• Procurement & Scope 3: transforming supply chains for impact
  • Sonja Schmid, Head of Climate Solutions and Analytics, Climate Action Accelerator
• Infrastructure
  • Dr. Naheed Nazrul, Director & Head of Friendship Hospital Shyamnagar (FHS), FRIENDSHIP
• Training & leadership: driving change from the top down
  • Sophie Meisser, Head of the Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR) Division, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG)

Explore the presentations here:

• Murtaza Mukhtar, Aga Khan Health Services Tanzania
• Dr. Xavier Raingeval, Climate Action Accelerator
• Sonja Schmid, Climate Action Accelerator
• Dr. Naheed Nazrul, FRIENDSHIP
• Sophie Meisser, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG)

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

From care to systems: how health can contribute to collective climate action

This final panel discussion will explore how climate and environmental action benefits population health in a virtuous cycle with the economy, and how universal health coverage can be achieved within planetary limits. Panellists will address the changes needed in clinical practice, leadership and financing to transform health systems at scale, drawing out lessons applicable to other essential service sectors.

• Prof Valérie D’Acremont, Doctor and Epidemiologist, Unisanté
• Dr Zeenat Sulaiman Khan, Regional CEO, Aga Khan Health Services, East Africa
• Prof Karl Blanchet, Professor at University of Geneva and Director of the Geneva Centre of Humanitarian Studies
• Thomas Kergall, Senior Technical Advisor for Health & Social Care, Council of Europe Development Bank

Moderated by Sonia Roschnik, Former Founding and Executive Director, Geneva Sustainability Centre, International Federation of Hospitals

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck

Conclusion, what next and closing remarks

• Barbara Hintermann, Director General, Terre de Hommes Foundation

Watch the replay here.

Photo credit: Patrick Anderseck