Archives
77th Meeting of the CITES Standing Committee
Delegates faced with 77 agenda items, with over 101 related documents spanning some 2,700 pages, were unable to complete the entire agenda, but were able to make recommendations on 11 compliance cases, establishment of the CITES Global Youth Network, seizure reporting on big cats, monitoring elephant poaching, and stockpiling timber.
5th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury
Parties took crucial steps toward eliminating mercury pollution, including by adopting decisions on: new dates to phase out mercury-added products including cosmetics, strengthened ties with Indigenous Peoples, the Convention’s first effectiveness evaluation, and a threshold for mercury waste, which will help countries avoid becoming dumping grounds for mercury-contaminated wastes.
3rd Part of the 28th Annual Session of the International Seabed Authority
Delegates continued work on the development of exploitation regulations for seabed mining, following a roadmap adopted in July 2023. However, regulating commercial exploitation of deep-sea minerals is no easy task, and there is no real indicator of progress for assessing if the roadmap is in line with reality or wishful thinking.
35th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (MOP35)
Delegates committed firmly to address threats to both the ozone layer and the global climate, designating a significant portion of the replenishment of the Multilateral Fund to the implementation of the Kigali Amendment, which will phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and bring down global temperatures.
25th Meeting of the CBD Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical, and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 25) and Resumed Second Part of the 15th Meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties
Ten months after adopting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), delegates met to provide expert advice on the scientific, technical, and technological aspects of GBF implementation. At the resumed 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP), delegates conducted elections and discussed the date and venue of COP 16.
65th Meeting of the GEF Council
The 65th meeting of the Council of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) took place in a virtual setting, focusing on the GEF Strategy for Knowledge Management and Learning; enhancing policy coherence; and relations with Conventions and international institutions. Council Members further decided on the dates for the 66th to 68th Council meetings in 2024.
Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Climate Week
Opening comments on ensuring climate action is achieved without sacrificing economic development or just transitions for energy security set the tone for the entire week. Participants discussed just and equitable energy transitions, economic diversification, and inclusive finance to meet climate goals.
2nd Regional Session of the UN Science-Policy-Business Forum (UN-SPBF) for Asia and the Pacific Region
This one day meeting, bringing over 150 private sector leaders together with government and civil society, saw lively exchanges on how to advance a green structural transformation in a way that leaves no nation behind. Topics included financing for green infrastructure, coherent policies, circular economy opportunities and digital infrastructure.
5th Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific
The Forum brought together diverse countries with unique environmental challenges, fostering a spirit of collaboration to address the crises in the region.