UN Regional Commissions’ High-Level Side Event at CBD COP-16: Key Actions for Interregional and Regional Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

The United Nations Regional Commissions (RegComs) with their ability in addressing cross-sectoral and transboundary issues as well as their specific mandates as catalysts for transformative actions, hold a vital role in supporting Member States in their efforts to achieve the goals of integrated and interlinked frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF), the climate agenda and inclusive and sustainable economic transformation. RegComs are deploying efforts to address the challenge of sustainable use and management of biodiversity, including in key areas such as biodiversity mainstreaming, climate action, human rights, resource mobilization, sustainable management, bioeconomy, governance. Additionally, they focus on collecting and analyzing relevant data, while supporting participation processes, other initiatives.

This high-level side event on interregional and regional implementation of the KM-GBF comes at a crucial moment, with a crucial focus on action. It will offer a platform for the much-needed interregional dialogue on scaling concrete integrated and transboundary actions that will contribute to the advancement of a more sustainable future in peace with nature. During the event, a joint policy brief titled: "Making Peace with Nature: Regional Actions to Mainstream and Invest in Biodiversity", will be launched.

The event will feature dialogue on best practices and innovative approaches for accelerating biodiversity conservation and will offer a platform for leaders and experts to reflect on the challenges, share experiences, and discuss innovative approaches that accelerate biodiversity action at both global and regional levels. Distinguished panelists from diverse regions and global perspectives will share their experiences in transforming challenges into opportunities, fostering a shared vision for sustainable natural resource management. The event will also provide an opportunity to explore regional progress in the implementation of the KM-GBF and highlight the role of strategic regional engagement and action can drive collective action to address global challenges and shape a sustainable future.

The objectives are:

• Launch of the publication prepared by the RegComs on Making peace with nature. Regional actions to mainstream and invest in biodiversity
• Present key actions and reflect on possible common approaches of RegComs on key issues, policy recommendations, and actions to facilitate regional implementation of the GBF
• Highlight key experiences and lessons learned

Preliminary agenda

Moderator: Ms. Paloma Ávila, host of tv programs on future and environment on CNN Chile

Opening

• Mr. Jérémie Pellet, Director General of Expertise France to give welcoming remarks and brief reflections on the role of inter-regional synergy in the early implementation of the MMB

The United Nations Regional Commissions (RegComs) will show their brief video setting the scene with the statements of each Executive Secretary.

• Mr. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC and the 2024 coordinator of the RegComs
• Ms. Tatiana Molcean, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
• Mr. Calver Gatete, Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa
• Ms. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
• Ms. Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

Implementing a biodiversity agenda: turning challenges to opportunities

• Mr. Carlos De Miguel Alonso, Director of the Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division of ECLAC

Strengthened regional approach: a must for advancing biodiversity agenda

• Benjamin Schachter, Coordinator, Environment and Climate Change Unit, OHCHR speaking on behalf of the ASG for Human Rights
• Mr. Francis Sabino Ogwal, Senior Manager Environment Planning and Coordination, CBD National Focal Point and Co-chair for the development of KM-GBF National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Uganda
• Dr. Theresa Mondita Lim, Executive Director of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity
• Representative of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan (TBC)
• Mr. Manuel Pulgar Vidal, CBD Action Agenda Champion for Nature and People
• Rita Mesquita Secretary for Biodiversity at the Ministry of the Environment of Brazil

Closing remarks

• High-level representative of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (TBC)
• Mr. Carlos De Miguel Alonso, Director of the Sustainable Development and Human Settlements Division of ECLAC

Join a meeting in the following link: https://cbd.interactio.com/listen/search?eventCode=COP-5602

Publication: Making peace with nature: Regional actions to mainstream and invest in biodiversity | CEPAL