The opening ceremony of the UN Biodiversity Conference will take place on Sunday, 18 October 2026, at 17:30 in the Plenary Hall, followed by a reception hosted by the Government of Armenia, featuring local cultural performances and entertainment.

Press Conferences

 

Press conferences and media briefings will be listed on this webpage.

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is pleased to invite Parties, organizations, and representatives of indigenous peoples and local communities to organise press briefings at the margins of the meetings. It is the responsibility of the organiser to provide a media advisory to be disseminated by the CBD Secretariat to its media contact list at least 48 hours prior to the press briefing. The following requirements must be met:  

  • Organisers will need to have their own name plates, handouts and any collateral material with them at the time of the press briefing.
  • Organisers are expected to ensure that the press briefing ends on time.
  • Follow-up interview opportunities, photo opportunities, and any follow-up questions should take place outside the Press Conference room.
  • Partner organisers of the press briefing will have access to the press conference room only for the duration of their press briefing and for approximately 15 minutes after.

To best prepare your press briefing, contact MEA-CBD-Media@un.org.  

Watch the press conferences on UN Web TV. 

 

The following are the currently envisioned official CBD-led press conferences happening at the conference (all times given in local Yerevan time):

 

PRESS CONFERENCE REQUESTS

Press conferences held at the margins of the UN Biodiversity Conference can be organized by:

  • Host Government  
  • Parties
  • United Nations entities and intergovernmental organizations;
  • Indigenous peoples and local communities  
  • Accredited observer organizations;
  • Other relevant stakeholders participating at the Conference. 

Organizations considering a press conference should ensure that the topic is relevant to the objectives of the Conference and that the event provides clear value for media audiences. 

Before submitting your request, please ensure you have: 

  • A clear purpose and newsworthy topic 
  • Confirmed speakers 
  • Preferred and alternate dates/times 
  • Background materials prepared or in development 
  • A designated focal point for coordination 

The requests can be submitted at: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/cJZgdm7J9k

MEDIA ACCREDITATION FOR THE 2026 UN BIODIVERSITY CONFERENCE

https://www.cbd.int/participation/2026/media/checklist 

Media accreditation is closed for the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference, including the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) and meetings of the Nagoya and Cartagena Protocols (MOPs 6 and 12, respectively), taking place in Yerevan, Armenia, 19 – 30 October 2026. 

In-person media accreditation can be requested here. Please note, to ensure the orderly management of media accreditation, journalists must register by 30th September 2026. On-site media accreditation will not be available. Only journalists who have completed the accreditation process and received confirmation from the Secretariat will be granted access to the Conference and media facilities. Freelancers must provide a valid assignment letter. Double accreditation (e.g. as both media and a delegate) is not permitted.  

Accredited media representatives will have access to designated media facilities and events during the Conference, including press conferences and media briefings. 

An opening press conference will also be held in a hybrid format. Information on the opening press conference, including how to register for online participation, will be shared closer to the Conference.  

Media accreditation: Create an account and register online here.  

Media contact: Lis Mullin Bernhardt, Head of the Communication and Awareness Unit, MEA-CBD-Media@un.org   

 

Daily Press Conference Schedule