Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training — Ljubljana, 12–16 October 2026
Law, Policy and Science in Environmental Peacebuilding Training — Ljubljana, 12–16 October 2026
Last week, the historic Jable Castle in Ljubljana hosted the latest edition of the Geneva Water Hub's flagship training programme, co-delivered with the Slovenian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Peace Operations Training Centre (POTC).
Over five intensive days, participants explored how environmental interdependence can be harnessed across conflict prevention, mitigation, resolution and recovery — turning shared resources into opportunities for more durable peace.
A truly global cohort
We welcomed professionals from 18 countries across five continents — China, the United States, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Spain, Peru, Cameroon, Israel, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Belgium, the Philippines, Kenya, Pakistan, Nepal, South Sudan and Slovenia.
Their backgrounds reflected the multidisciplinary nature of the field:
- National governments – diplomats and policy makers
- International organizations & United Nations Peacekeeping Missions (incl. UN Mission in Colombia)
- National military and police institutions
- Academia and research
- Non-governmental organizations
Thank you to our outstanding faculty and guest speakers:
- H.E. Dr Danilo Türk, former President of the Republic of Slovenia
- Prof. Mark Zeitoun, Director General, Geneva Water Hub
- Dr Mara Tignino, Scientific Director, Geneva Water Hub & University of Geneva
- Dr Caroline Pellaton, Operations Director, Geneva Water Hub
- Dr Tadesse Kebebew, Project Manager, Geneva Water Hub
- Prof. Vasilka Sancin, Judge, European Court of Human Rights
- Carl Bruch, Environmental Law Institute & Environmental Peacebuilding Association
- Stephen Robinson, Senior Policy Advisor for Mine Action, UNDP
- Julia Scharinger, Managing Partner, trans:verse
Special thanks to Ambassador Tanja Miškova and Samo Selimović, Coordinator of POTC, for their engagement throughout the week.
From IHL, international environmental, water and human rights law, to accountability for wartime environmental damage, the gender–climate–conflict nexus and mine action — participants engaged with cutting-edge frameworks and practical tools.
Our gratitude to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and to the Republic of Slovenia for making this edition possible.
