Reception on COP16 and COP29
In the run-up to the sixteenth session of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, the Embassy of Colombia in Brussels, the Wildlife Conservation Society EU Office (WCS EU), and the Belgian Biodiversity Platform are organising a special reception on October 7th, 2024, to discuss the integration of global frameworks and international commitments to achieve policy goals and biodiversity gains.
This event aims to reinforce bridges between the forthcoming United Nations biodiversity and climate summits, providing an opportunity to promote the participation of different stakeholders and to hear from Colombia, a host country, on its priorities for the upcoming COP16. Notably, the event will unpack why achieving climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are dependent upon the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) and explore ways to strengthen synergies between the three Rio conventions on biodiversity conservation, climate change, and combating desertification.
We will be joined by honored guest speakers that span national governments from the Global South, the European Commission, and civil society to infuse the discussion with their invaluable perspectives and insights. Following a keynote address, panelists and the moderator will provide brief introductions, followed by an interactive Q&A session. A networking reception and cultural exhibition will follow the panel discussion.
Attendance is by invitation only.
PROGRAMME
Welcome and introduction
Dr. Michel Van Camp, Director General, Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Science
Opening remarks
- Ms. Camila Polo Florez, Chargée d'Affaires, Embassy of Colombia in Brussels
- Dr. Florika Fink-Hooijer, Director General, DG Environment, European Commission
Panel discussion
- H.E. Ambassador Pedro Miguel da Costa e Silva, Head of Mission of Brazil to the EU
- H.E. Ambassador Vaqif Sadıqov, Head of Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the EU
- Ms. Eliana Muchachasoy, Visual Artist from the Camëntsa Indigenous Community in Putumayo, Colombia
Concluding remarks
Mr. Peter Wittoeck, Director of Climate Change, Belgian Federal Public Service (FPS) Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment
Moderator
Dr. Janice Weatherley-Singh, Director, Wildlife Conservation Society EU Office