The Conference of the Parties, at its sixteenth meeting, through decision 16/21 on synthetic biology, requested the Executive Secretary to carry out, among other things, the following tasks, subject to the availability of resources:

(a)     To prepare a draft thematic action plan to support capacity-building and development, access to and transfer of technology and knowledge-sharing in the context of synthetic biology, as referred to in paragraph 5;

(b)     To commission an independent scientific study compiling and summarizing existing scientific studies, public research and development funding needs and priorities, as well as research road maps on synthetic biology applications that are relevant to achieving the Framework, in particular its Targets 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 13 and 17;

(c)     To synthesize the information shared pursuant to paragraphs 7, 8 and 9 (f);

(d)     To submit the draft thematic action plan for a peer review before the twenty-eighth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice;

(e)     To create a dedicated section in the clearing-house mechanism to promote the thematic action plan and the outcomes of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology and to facilitate knowledge-sharing in the context of synthetic biology;

(f)      To convene online discussions of the Open-ended Online Forum on Synthetic Biology in order to support the work of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology;

(g)     To convene meetings of the Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Synthetic Biology, one of which is to be held in person;

(h)     To support the full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in the work related to synthetic biology undertaken under the Convention, in accordance with decision X/40 of 29 October 2010;

(i)      To support further the participation of women, youth, academia and research institutions in the work related to synthetic biology undertaken under the Convention;

(j)      To facilitate capacity-building activities on synthetic biology;

Information on potential dates for the activities can be found on the calendar of activities.