Notification 2021-071

Dear Madam/Sir, I am pleased to inform you that the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, in collaboration with other international organizations, is organizing a global webinar entitled “Synthetic biology governance and cooperation opportunities” on Tuesday, 2 November 2021 from 08:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EDT (GMT -4). This webinar is part of the Secretariat’s response to the request from COP decision 14/19 (https://www.cbd.int/doc/decisions/cop-14/cop-14-dec-19-en.pdf) to further pursue cooperation with other organizations, conventions and initiatives on issues related to synthetic biology, including the exchange of experiences and information. Therefore, the aim of this activity will be to facilitate discussions on and understanding of the perspective of various organizations in relation to synthetic biology, as well as to share information on how synthetic biology is being considered through different lenses and opportunities available to foster collaboration within the field. The webinar will take place virtually using the GoToWebinar platform and will be held in English only. Those who wish to take part in the event can register using the following link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4999939385544018191. Registered participants will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information on how to join the session. The webinar will be recorded and made available on the Biosafety Clearing-House website to accommodate those who will not be able to take part. Further information on the webinar will be made available on the following webpage: https://bch.cbd.int/synbio/webinar.shtml. I look forward to your active participation and contribution to the webinar. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

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