Parallel Events
The CBD Conference of the Parties provides an opportunity for Parties and observers to convene and engage in a wide range of summits, forums, fairs, pavilions and side-events that enrich the formal discussions of the meetings. These events host a range of thematic discussions related to biodiversity, across different networks and constituencies, allowing participants to share knowledge, explore collaborations, and build capacity to address the biodiversity crisis. Most of the events are held within the Conference security perimeter (known as the Blue Zone), and accessible to duly accredited COP observer organizations.
COP 17 / COP-MOPs Daily Overview

Major Parallel Meetings in Blue Zone
Major associated events in the Blue Zone will be listed here once confirmed.
- 2026 Biodiversity Technology and Innovation Expo – 19 - 30 October 2026
- Nature and Culture Summit 2026 – 24 - 25 October 2026
- 9th Summit for Subnational Governments & Cities – 24 October 2026
- Capacity-Building and Development Forum – 24 October 2026
- Science Forum – 24 - 25 October 2026
- Business and Biodiversity Forum – 25 October 2026
- Finance Day – 26 October 2026
- Women's Forum – 27 October 2026
- Judges Day – 29 October 2026
- Clearing House Mechanism Knowledge Virtual/Poster Fair – 19 - 30 October 2026
The Secretariat also coordinates spaces for thematic activities and others, in collaboration with partners:
- Action Zone – 19 - 29 October 2026
Global Biodiversity Framework Pavilion – 24 - 29 October 2026
Workshops
The Secretariat also coordinates training workshops for with the objective of providing general information about the topics or areas of work. There will be presentations, hands-on training, examinations of case studies and discussion sessions.
- Biosafety Clearing-House and Risk Assessment Training Workshop – 17-18 October 2026
ABS Clearing-House Workshop: Strengthening ABS Relationships, Information Exchange and Effective Implementation – 25 October 2026
Side-events in Blue Zone
Side-events serve as platforms for admitted observer organizations and Parties, to engage with each other in 80-minute sessions. Side-event sessions are held almost daily during the lunch and evening breaks in between formal sessions. For more information on side-events and calendar of events, visit the Side Events dedicated website.
Green Zone and Off-site Activities
Host Country Events
The Government of Armenia, the city of Yerevan, local and national civil society entities and their partners will be providing additional space outside the Conference venue for non-accredited organizations and the general public to meaningfully engage, collaborate and network around issues and themes of COP 17. A series of activities and events will take place at the margins of the COP, including an international youth summit. For more information:
- COP 17 Public Green Zone
- The Global Youth Summit for Biodiversity – 17 - 18 October 2026