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UN Biodiversity Convention postpones in-person resumed sessions of its two subsidiary bodies and working group on post-2020 global biodiversity framework
** Update: New dates are 13 - 29 March 2022 **
Due to the uncertainties posed by the recent emergence of the Omicron variant, and the resulting travel measures and restrictions imposed in certain countries, the resumed sessions of the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) scientific and implementation bodies, as well as the third meeting of the Open-ended Working Group on the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (WG2020-3) have been postponed.
Originally scheduled for Geneva, Switzerland from 12-28 January 2022, the physical meetings of the resumed sessions of the twenty-fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA 24), the third meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI 3) and WG2020-3 will be held at a later date in 2022. The Secretariat is exploring options for dates in March and will provide further information in due course.
The CBD Secretariat, in consultation with the Government of Switzerland, the Bureau of the Conference of the Parties (COP Bureau), SBSTTA and SBI Chairs and the post-2020 Working Group Co-Chairs, determined that in light of the Omicron variant, recently declared a Variant of Concern by the World Health Organization, it would be impossible to hold the resumed sessions of the meetings in-person on the planned dates.
Every effort will be made by the CBD Secretariat to ensure that the meetings reconvene as soon as feasible, at a time when the situation can allow large numbers of people to gather safely in a physical setting.
The Secretariat will continue to monitor further developments, and issue updates on any changes and adjustments that may become necessary.
More information
Post-2020 global biodiversity framework