China Reception for COP 15

Presented by the Government of China

Cristiana Paşca Palmer, CBD Executive Secretary, shakes hands with Chengshou Bai, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China

This event provided the opportunity for delegates to network and express appreciation for the offer made by the Government of China to host the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP 15) in Beijing in 2020.

Chengshou Bai, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), China, said that his country has, over the past 25 years, made positive progress in protecting and curbing the loss of biodiversity. He reported remarkable results achieved by promoting the concept of “Ecological Civilization,” which adheres to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature and prioritizes biodiversity conservation in social and economic development. Delegates at COP 14, he said, have reached consensus through extensive discussions on the principles, working mechanisms and processes for the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. He underscored that the next two years will require the development of clear objectives, effective measures, and strong support for the Framework. He called on all parties to work together in a mutually beneficial, inclusive, and concerted manner to develop an ambitious and transformative Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework that is consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals. He also thanked parties and the CBD Secretariat for their trust in China to host COP 15, noting that the pressure of great expectations for COP 15 provide the driving force for China’s efforts to create a convenient and comfortable meeting environment for everyone.

Cristiana Paşca Palmer, CBD Executive Secretary, praised China’s efforts to forge a path ahead to safeguard nature and human life, expressing her personal commitment to support China throughout its presidency in 2020-2022. She also commended China for its leadership towards more ambitions biodiversity conservation measures. She noted the privilege of having Egypt and China, as “two great civilizations” of historical importance, committing their continuous support to safeguard the planet. She stressed that COP 15 will be a milestone meeting, where parties will adopt the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework, and emphasized the need to engageme all stakeholders, including business communities, civil society, indigenous peoples, local communities, youth and individuals. She expressed her gratitude to the Governments of China and Egypt, underscoring the Sharm El-Sheikh to Beijing Action Agenda for Nature and People. This Agenda, she said, will be hosted on an online platform that will catalyze, collect, coordinate and celebrate actions taken on behalf of the common objectives of multiple stakeholders. She encouraged all delegates to spread the word on this Agenda, stating: “if we do not act soon, we could reach a tipping point that may cause irreversible destruction to nature and, ultimately, humankind.”

Hamdallah Zedan, COP Presidency, Egypt, congratulated China for their offer to host COP 15. He underscored the active role played by China since the inception of the Convention, noting that China would “meet and exceed our expectations.” The CBD COP 15, he emphasized, is critical to the life of the Convention and, in particular, to the Post-2020 Biodiversity Framework. China, he added, has a lot of experience to share, particularly its experiences in advancing towards an “Ecological Civilization.” He urged parties to support China in the organization of the meeting and to support the continuation of successes from COP 14.

On behalf of the Chinese delegation, Bai thanked all delegates, noting that, in two years, China will be proud to welcome everyone to COP 15.

The room is full as delegates gather for the event

Hamdallah Zedan, COP Presidency, Egypt

Cristiana Paşca Palmer, CBD Executive Secretary

Chengshou Bai, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China

Delegates enjoy the event into the evening