Notification 2023-034

Dear Madam/Sir, In decision 15/31, the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity established a multidisciplinary ad hoc technical expert group (AHTEG) on synthetic biology to support the process for broad and regular horizon scanning, monitoring and assessment, with the terms of reference annexed to the decision. Accordingly, I am pleased to invite Parties, other Governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, and relevant organizations to nominate experts to the multidisciplinary AHTEG. CBD National Focal Points or Heads of organizations, as appropriate, are kindly requested to submit nominations of experts, in the form of an official letter addressed to the Executive Secretary, clearly indicating the name and full contact details of each nominee, as well as curriculum vitae, to be sent by e-mail to secretariat@cbd.int as soon as possible, but no later than 24 April 2023. In line with decision 14/33, nominees are also required to complete the interest disclosure form.(Available at: https://www.cbd.int/doc/forms/conflict-interest-form-en.pdf ). The multidisciplinary AHTEG’s face-to-face meeting is scheduled to take place from 11 to 14 July 2023 in Montreal, Canada. The selection of experts will be made, in consultation with the Bureau of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, taking into account relevant expertise and experience as per the terms of reference of the multidisciplinary AHTEG, as well as gender balance and equitable geographical representation. A notification announcing the composition of the multidisciplinary AHTEG will be issued once the selection process is complete. I would like to thank you for your kind cooperation and continued support for the work of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Acting Executive Secretary

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