Newsbreak: Armenia wins bid to host prestigious CBD COP17 summit in 2026

November 01, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Armenia has been chosen to host the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity in 2026, beating out Azerbaijan for the honor.

This decision comes as the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) wraps up in Cali, Colombia.

Azerbaijan had expressed interest in hosting COP17, with Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Muxtar Babayev announcing the country’s bid during “Baku Climate Action Week.”

However, Armenia’s successful bid underscores its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The COP17 summit will bring together representatives from over 190 countries to discuss critical issues related to biodiversity conservation. The conference will focus on implementing the Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, conserving threatened species and ecosystems, and promoting sustainable use of biodiversity.

The landlocked country in West Asia has made significant strides in conservation efforts, including establishing national parks and protected areas.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is ready to welcome thousands of people from around the world as the host the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29) from November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, marking the first time the region will host the conference.

The COP17 summit is expected to have a lasting impact on global biodiversity conservation efforts.

As the international community comes together to address pressing environmental challenges, Armenia’s hosting of COP17 will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of biodiversity protection.

No official dates as been announced yet at the time of this report.