Notification 2020-091

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to inform you that a special virtual session for SBSTTA and SBI on the theme of “Biodiversity, One Health and the response to COVID-19”, will be held on 15-16 December 2020. The special session is being convened with a view to maintaining momentum towards COP 15 and to facilitating preparations for the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 24) and the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 3), which have been postponed to 2021. It will allow Parties and observers to gain further familiarity with the online platform and with the procedures for conducting meetings virtually. The special session, which will be held from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., Montreal time on both days, will also provide opportunities for the presentation of information and for statements by Parties and observers. No decisions or formal recommendations will be made at the special session. Interpretation will be provided in all UN languages. Further information, including the programme, will be available at the special virtual session webpage: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/sbstta24-sbi3-prep-02. The Secretariat will be updating this webpage as new information becomes available, including the meeting platform and connection details for the session, and other background documentation. As per the practice for meetings of the subsidiary bodies, the designation of representatives to participate in the above session should be addressed to the CBD Executive Secretary through an official letter of nomination, to be sent by e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int or by fax at +1 514-288-6588, as soon as possible but no later than 10 December 2020. Early registration is encouraged. Each delegation will be provided with an opportunity to speak during the two-day special session. In order to ensure the security of the meetings and proper identification of those speaking on behalf of delegations, delegations need to designate their speaker(s) well in advance of the start of the event. Taking into account the technical limitations of the platform, the number of participants designated as speakers will be limited for each day, as follows: • Parties and other Governments - will be assigned two (2) microphones each • UN organizations and IGOs - will be assigned two (2) microphones each • All other delegations - will be assigned one (1) microphone each Accordingly, when preparing the nomination letter to participate in the special virtual session, delegations should specify their designated speakers. The designated speakers will receive a unique link before the scheduled event; therefore, kindly ensure to provide a unique e-mail address for each designated speaker. I look forward to your active participation in this important special session. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal Points, SBSTTA Focal Points, indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant organizations, cc: Cartagena Protocol Focal Points, ABS Focal Points