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Highlights and images for 23 October 2021

Online

  1. Negotiations
  2. Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
  3. Combined 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention (Part II) and 33rd Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol

The combined twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (Part II) of the Vienna Convention and thirty-third Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol (COP 12(II)/MOP 33) opened online for its first day of deliberations. Delegates convened in the preparatory segment to address time-sensitive matters related to the implementation of the Convention and its Protocol.

Often referred to as the most successful multilateral environmental agreement, the Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol rely on steady funding from the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) to support developing country (Article 5) parties in meeting their obligations. Key on the agenda of the COP 12(II)/MOP 33 is how best to progress on replenishing the MLF in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, which precludes in-person negotiations on this important issue. To make headway on this matter, delegates opened the meeting by discussing three draft proposals.

The first proposal concerned the 2022 contributions to the MLF for the triennium 2021–2023, containing indicative contributions to the MLF for 2022 to ensure the Fund’s continued functioning. The second concerned the Fund’s updated interim budget, given the increase in funds available due to the contributions made during the previous year. The third proposed an Extraordinary Meeting of the Parties in 2022, to enable parties to take a decision on the Fund’s replenishment for the final year of the 2021-2023 triennium.

After a brief discussion, delegates agreed to the three proposals. These finalized drafts will now be considered for adoption by the high-level segment scheduled for Friday, 29 October 2021.

On their first day, delegates also established a Budget Committee, chaired by Nicole Folliet (Canada), to consider the financial reports and budgets of the trust funds for the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol. The Committee will meet from Saturday to Monday, with more time allocated as necessary.

COP 12(II)/MOP 32 is meeting online from 23-29 October 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic from 2:00 – 4:00 PM East Africa Time.

Megumi Seki, Executive Secretary, Ozone Secretariat

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Selected Photos

 OEWG-43 Co-Chair Vizminda Osorio, the Philippines

Eduardo Ganem, Chief Officer, MLF Secretariat

Hasan Mubarak, Bahrain

OEWG-43 Co-Chair Martin Sirois, Canada

Shontelle Wellington, Barbados

Annie Gabriel, Australia

Philippe Chemouny, Canada

Tags

Topic
Atmosphere

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