The visit of Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan to New York was concluded with an event of exceptional importance: within the framework of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, the Government of the Republic of Armenia, represented by Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan, and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Convention Astrid Shoemaker, signed an agreement by which Armenia undertakes to host the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the twentieth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol, and the sixth meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol from 18 to 30 October 2026.
“This is a legal obligation that enshrines Armenia’s readiness and responsibility in organizing the conference. Under the agreement, the country undertakes to provide the necessary infrastructure, security, and organizational support for the conference. These provisions are designed to ensure the high-level holding of the event and to create a solid foundation for practical cooperation between Armenia and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The document clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of both parties, the Government of Armenia and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, enabling the smooth implementation of the largest international environmental conference.
COP17 will bring together dozens of heads of state, ministers, scientists, international organizations, and representatives of civil society. Hosting Armenia will create an opportunity for the country to present itself to the world not only as a hub of rich biodiversity and nature conservation initiatives, but also as a reliable organizer of important international events. In 2026, Armenia will become the center of the global environmental agenda, creating a new platform for strengthening international ties and promoting joint initiatives, ”the ministry notes.
