Notification 2026-042

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in connection to notification 2026-041 regarding the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (COP-MOP 12), and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (COP-MOP 6) that will be held concurrently from 19 to 30 October 2026 in Yerevan, Armenia.   

I am pleased to provide below logistical information on side-events and rental of exhibition and pavilion spaces, as well as country offices. 

1. Side events: The online registration for side-event is now open and will close on 30 June 2026, and the link is accessible at: https://www.cbd.int/side-events. Governments, as well as organizations accredited to CBD meetings (please refer to above-mentioned notification for accreditation process for organizations), who wish to organize side-events are kindly requested to submit their request within the above timeframe. Preference and priority will be given to side-events convened by multiple partners hosting the side-event and requests may be limited or reduced depending on the slots available.  
2.  Exhibition and pavilion spaces, and country offices: Pavilions and exhibition spaces, as well as country offices, can be rented on a commercial basis.  Detailed information on room dimensions, inclusions and costs can be found in this brochure.   

An expression of interest to rent space can be made by completing this form.  Due to the high demand for spaces, the expression of interest should be sent as soon as possible and no later than 25 May 2026.  After the deadline, the Secretariat will begin the selection and allocation of the eligible applications, with the aim to complete the confirmation by 5 June 2026. While the Secretariat will endeavour to consider all requests made, please note that it may also have to decline some of the applications due to space limitations at the venue. 

Selected applicants will receive a confirmation of their acceptance by e-mail that will include contact details of the assigned Service Provider/Designer for COP-17.  Individual designers will assist the selected applicants with their allotted space, as well as provide payment procedures and timelines.

I am also pleased to inform you that the “Information Note for Participants” for the meetings is now available and accessible on the CBD website at: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/2026/info-note .  Kindly note that the Information Note for Participants will be updated as details are finalized and become available. Participants are therefore encouraged to check back regularly for new updates. 

 I thank you for your kind attention to the above matters.

 Please accept, Sir, Madam, the assurances of my highest consideration.

(Signed) Astrid Schomaker

Executive Secretary