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From Geneva to Yerevan | International Geneva @ UN Biodiversity Conference

Mise à jour: 23 Oct 2026

Nature

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The 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference will take place in Yerevan, Armenia from 19 to 30 October 2026. This major event, convened under the theme “Taking Action for Nature” includes concurrent meetings of the governing bodies of the Convention and its Protocols: the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP-MOP12), and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization (NP-MOP6).

About the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference

The 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from 19 to 30 October 2026. This major event, convened under the theme “Taking Action for Nature” included concurrent meetings of the governing bodies of the Convention and its Protocols, including the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP-MOP12), and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising from their Utilization (NP-MOP6).

The Government of Armenia will convene the High Level Segment of the UN Biodiversity Conference 2026 on 27 and 28 October 2026 to galvanize leadership and political momentum in support for the effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and other decisions expected to be adopted at the Conference.

CBD COP17 Website
Presidency Website

The Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity

The year 2026 provides a decisive moment to take stock of progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), renew political leadership, and accelerate action. Against this backdrop, the incoming Armenian Presidency of COP 17 and its concurrent meetings hosted a one-day, by invitation, Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity, under the motto “Leaders’ for Nature” on 16 October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.

The Summit provided an opportunity to review progress in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, renew political leadership, and mobilize greater ambition and coordinated global action ahead of COP 17. It concluded with “Yerevan Declaration – Taking Action for Nature” reaffirming commitment to the implementation of the Framework, including the mission to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve the vision of living in harmony with nature by 2050. → Read more at:

State of Biodiversity Action Report on Progress in the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The State of Biodiversity Action report on progress in the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, released on 15 October 2026, provides the first comprehensive global stocktake of progress towards the Framework’s 2030 targets and 2050 vision.

Drawing on national reports, updated biodiversity strategies, scientific assessments and diverse sources of knowledge, it assesses progress across all 23 targets, identifying achievements, implementation gaps and barriers. The final report brings together evidence from countries and stakeholders worldwide to examine where progress is advancing and where efforts must accelerate. It highlights the need for stronger implementation, coordinated action and increased ambition to translate global commitments into tangible outcomes for nature. As a key input to the Global Review at COP 17, the report provides an evidence base to guide decision-making and help Parties and stakeholders accelerate action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Read more:

Leveraging Local and Global Action for Nature Towards UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | From Geneva to Yerevan | International Day for Biological Diversity

In preparation for the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference, leading experts from key Geneva-based UN institutions and processes speaking at the Geneva Celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity provided updates on preparations for this major milestone. They also reflected on the need for inclusive, participatory and impactful whole-of-society action for nature.

Events in Geneva

In preparation for the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference, various actors in Geneva, including the Geneva Environment Network and its partners, have organized multiple events.

Chemicals and Waste on the Road to CBD COP 17 | Minamata Online

6 October 2026

Human Rights at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity | HRC63 Side Event

2 October 2026

Nature-Positive Infrastructure: Mainstreaming Biodiversity Across the Transportation Lifecycle

18 September 2026

The Rights of Nature: Intersections with the Right to a Healthy Environment | HRC62 Side Event

2 July 2026

Diplomatic Briefing in Geneva on the Seventeenth Session of the Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

24 June 2026

From Geneva to Yerevan | Leveraging Local and Global Action for Nature Towards UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | International Day for Biological Diversity

22 May 2026

Education for Biodiversity: Accelerating Delivery of the Global Biodiversity Framework | RFSD 2026

20 April 2026

Women Ocean Guardians: Leading Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economies | International Women’s Month

25 March 2026

Human Rights and Biodiversity: Advancing Rights‑Based Action toward the UN Biodiversity Conference COP17 | Geneva Rights and Environment Talks 2026

10 March 2026

Strengthening the Science-Policy Interface to Address the Triple Planetary Crisis

17 December 2025

International Biodiversity Day Celebration 2025 | Multilateral Geneva Creating Interlinkages and Driving Transformative Change in Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development

22 May 2025

Achieving Biodiversity Goals Through Trade: Building on Progress Made at UN Biodiversity Conference COP16

28 January 2025

Geneva Stakeholders Engagement

As a global hub for biodiversity governance, there will be a strong multilateral Geneva presence at the UN Biodiversity Conference, providing contributions to the events and discussions. Additional organizations will be included as the Conference approaches.

Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Conventions)

The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions will participate to underscore the role of the chemicals, pollution and waste cluster supports the biodiversity and health nexus to discuss how their work contributes to the work done under the CBD,

Biovision Foundation

Biovision is committed to building sustainable food systems – from farm to fork. We promote agroecological approaches, socially equitable value chains, and food security, and agricultural production that is in harmony with nature. By supporting focused research and projects in sub-Saharan Africa and in Switzerland, we develop solutions for the future – through initiatives led by us or together with partner organizations.

Business for Nature

Nature loss is a real business risk, yet businesses cannot halt nature loss on their own. Without strong policies and clear rules of the game, corporate action remains fragmented and limited in scale. Multilateral processes like the COP are essential to set ambition, align expectations, and create the pressure and accountability governments need to act, unlocking the conditions for business to invest, innovate and contribute meaningfully to protecting and restoring nature. Business participation at COP17 will be critical because: implementation is currently too slow, private sector action is essential, voluntary action isn’t enough and business voices shape ambition.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

At COP17, the CITES Secretariat will follow the negotiations closely and engage stakeholders on how CITES supports the goals and targets of the KMGBF.

Convention on Wetlands

The Convention on Wetlands is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.

Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace (ECCP)

The Community of Practice on Environment, Climate, Conflict, and Peace (ECCP), as part of the Peace@CBD collective, will also be present at various peace-related activities at CBD, highlighting policy priorities for addressing peace and insecurity during implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

FAO supports its Members in advancing the objectives of the CBD, including the KMGBF. At COP17, the Organization will advocate for more efficient, inclusive, sustainable and resilient agrifood systems as an essential solution to the biodiversity crisis, in line with its Strategy on Mainstreaming Biodiversity across Agricultural Sectors and Action Plan 2024-2027.

Geneva Human Rights, Biodiversity and Land Task Force (GeHRBiL)

GeHRBiL gathers civil society organizations working in Geneva to bring forward the human rights issues in relation to biodiversity and land and to introduce these issues in the work of the Geneva-based UN Human Rights Bodies

Group on Earth Observations (GEO)

GEO will have a strong presence at COP17, with the Global Ecosystems Atlas, GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), and GEO Members and partners working to strengthen the science, data and knowledge systems needed for biodiversity monitoring, reporting and decision-making.

GEO is a co-convenor of the Data to Action Pavilion at COP17, alongside GEO BON, the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Zurich.

International Institute for Sustainable Development

IISD will be at COP17, co-organizing various side events and providing analysis of the negotiations.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

ILO supports the integration of biodiversity with the promotion of decent work.

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

Governments, scientists, businesses and biodiversity organizations are setting ambitious goals to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The next challenge is implementation. International Standards can help translate biodiversity commitments, scientific knowledge and policy frameworks into practical, measurable approaches that organizations can use across sectors and borders.

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

IUCN is a membership Union of government and civil society organisations. It works to advance sustainable development and create a just world that values and conserves nature.

Minamata Convention on Mercury

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is participating to underscore the importance of coordinated action to protect global biodiversity, highlighting the Convention’s efforts in reducing mercury pollution, a major threat to both biodiversity and human health, with a special focus on vulnerable populations such as Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

Nature Positive Pavilion at COP17

The Pavilion creates a platform within the blue zone for a wide range of voices to come together to ensure that nature-positive outcomes are secured and on track. It offers a vibrant and welcoming space for a diversity of voices to engage and collaborate, identifying and scaling the solutions needed to halt and reverse nature loss.

Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

A safe, clean, healthy, and sustainable environment is essential to the full enjoyment of a wide range of human rights, including the rights to health, food, water and sanitation.

UNECE

UNECE will co-organize and contribute to several events.

UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Europe Office

UNEP delivers science-based solutions to prevent, halt and reverse the decline of nature and foster sustainable development, maintaining nature’s contributions to people and sustaining a healthy planet.

UNEP Finance Initiative

At COP17, UNEP FI will mobilize its network of members and partners to highlight the critical role of finance in protecting and restoring nature. Throughout the conference, UNEP FI will showcase progress on biodiversity finance since the adoption of the GBF, spotlight leading initiatives, commitments and innovations from across the finance sector, and advance dialogue on what is still needed to align global financial flows with biodiversity goals.

UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

The 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference offers a timely opportunity to translate this agenda into concrete commitments and consider how trade can support global biodiversity goals while advancing sustainable and inclusive development – an alignment that UNCTAD argues is both necessary and achievable.

World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO develops biodiversity-informed public health plans, global evidence summaries on biodiversity and health, assists countries in assessing health vulnerabilities from biodiversity loss and monitors biodiversity-informed health policies to ensure human rights, equity, and Health for All are upheld.

WBCSD

WBCSD’s Nature Action Imperative  supports members in incorporating nature into decision-making, while developing credible and impactful nature strategies aligned with leading voluntary and regulatory frameworks.

WWF

WWF works to help local communities conserve the natural resources they depend upon; transform markets and policies toward sustainability; and protect and restore species and their habitats. Its efforts ensure that the value of nature is reflected in decision-making from a local to a global scale.

Parallel and Side Events in which Geneva Stakeholders will be Active

Events taking place in the Green Zone

Positions and Messages

Reports Launched at COP17

News at COP17

Links

News Ahead of COP17