Notification 2018-061

Dear Madam/Sir, The Arab Republic of Egypt, as host of the 2018 United Nations Biodiversity Conference, has decided to convene the High-level Segment of the Conference around the theme of “Investing in Biodiversity for People and Planet”, covering the sectors of energy and mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and processing, and health, in the broader context of sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The High-level Segment will take place on 14 15 November 2018 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Invitations to the High-level Segment have been dispatched to ministers responsible for the Convention by the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt through its diplomatic channels. With a view to ensuring the participation of ministers from relevant sectors such as energy and mining, industry, planning, finance and health, the ministers responsible for the Convention were also encouraged to extend the invitation to their peers in these sectors. Parties from the African region were also invited to the African Biodiversity Summit that will take place prior to the High-level Segment on 13 November 2018. Governments are invited to confirm their participation in the these events through e mail to Mr. Hamdallah Zedan, Chairman of the Preparatory Committee and COP 14 National Focal Point at hamdallah.cop14@eeaa.gov.eg and to Ms. Heba ElKady at heba.cop14@eeaa.gov.eg, at their earliest possible convenience. It is envisaged that the format of the High-level Segment will consist mainly of plenary and roundtable sessions. The first day will open with a plenary, followed by two parallel roundtable sessions on manufacturing and processing, and infrastructure. The second day will open with two parallel roundtable sessions on energy and mining, and health, followed by a closing plenary. Each roundtable session will commence with keynote presentations, followed by an interactive discussion among ministers. A detailed draft programme as well as an information note for participants will be made available on the High-level Segment website , in due course. It is also envisaged that the High-level Segment will adopt a political declaration on mainstreaming in these sectors. The Government of Egypt will circulate a draft of the Sharm El-Sheikh Declaration in early August through its diplomatic channels. Participation in the High-level Segment is of strategic importance to facilitate a multi-sectoral dialogue aimed at further mainstreaming biodiversity in the sectors of energy and mining, infrastructure, manufacturing and processing, and health, especially in the context of sustainable development. I would like to encourage Governments to actively take part in these important events. Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Executive Secretary

To: CBD National Focal points, ABS Focal Points and CP Focal Points