Armenia to host Leaders` Summit on Biodiversity `Leaders for Nature`

ArmInfo.On February 16, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Robert Abisoghomonyan participated and delivered remarks at the event convened by Armenia's COP17  Presidency on the margins of the 6th Meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI-6) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Rome.

Opening remarks were delivered by Hambardzum  Matevosyan, the Minister of Environment of Armenia and Astrid  Schomaker, the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological  Diversity.

Outlining the key elements of the Leaders' Summit envisaged under the  framework of COP17, Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Robert  Abisoghomonyan noted in his remarks:

    "Excellencies, 

Distinguished delegates, 

Thank you for the opportunity to brief you on the key priorities of  Armenia's COP 17 Presidency. Our priorities emphasize continuity,  inclusiveness and respect for the intergovernmental nature of the CBD  and its multistakeholder engagement. We are keen to support  action-oriented discussions, facilitate constructive engagement among  Parties and stakeholders, and contribute to coherence across various  processes under the Convention, including those related to the Global  Review, monitoring, implementation and the role of stakeholders and  rights holders.  

To that end, and with a view to generating strong political momentum  towards the achievement of the objectives of COP17, we will be  organizing a Leaders' Summit to elevate biodiversity and nature  conservation issues to the highest level of the global political  agenda. It will serve as a political anchor for COP17, intended to  reinforce ambition, provide strategic orientation and contribute  political impetus to ensure strong and steadfast progress towards the  objectives and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity  Framework.  The Leaders' Summit on Biodiversity is planned to be held  on 16 October 2026 in Yerevan, under the banner "Leaders for Nature".

    We consider this Summit particularly timely. The transition from  commitment to implementation requires sustained political engagement  at the highest level, especially as Parties undertake the first  Global Review of the KMGBF.  

At the same time, the rationale for convening leaders at the highest  political level is clear, as biodiversity loss continues to  accelerate, with far-reaching consequences for food security, human  health, climate resilience and sustainable development. As we  approach the first Global Review of the KMGBF, political ownership at  the highest level will be essential.  

In a global environment marked by geopolitical tensions, competing  crises and fragmented priorities, there is a real risk that  biodiversity may be overshadowed by more immediate political  pressures. The Leaders' Summit is therefore conceived not merely as a  visibility exercise, but as a mechanism to recalibrate collective  focus and reinforce high-level leadership in advancing the  implementation of the KMGBF.  

The Leaders' Summit is not intended to replace or duplicate the  formal High-Level Segment of COP17. It is conceived as a  complementary political moment at the outset of the Conference,  designed to provide strategic orientation and reinforce political  attention at the highest level.  

The Summit will bring together Heads of State and Government, leaders  of international organizations, prominent scientists, IPLCs and  prominent public figures engaged in environmental advocacy. This  format reflects the Armenian Presidency's commitment to an inclusive  process, by connecting political leadership with science, culture,  and the life experience of those who serve as custodians of nature,  thereby reinforcing the shared responsibility to safeguard  biodiversity.  

Such a platform will provide an invaluable opportunity to underscore  the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations across  policy domains, including development planning, finance, agriculture,  energy, infrastructure and urban systems and to promote greater  policy coherence across sectors.  The Summit is expected to conclude  with the adoption of a forward-looking outcome document (Political  Declaration) to reaffirm commitments to conserve, restore, and  sustainably manage biodiversity and reinforce cooperation among  governments, the private sector, philanthropy, scientists, IPLCs and  civil society. Importantly, it is intended to provide political  guidance to the first Global Review of the KMGBF.  

A detailed concept note of the Leaders' Summit and a draft outcome  document will be circulated among the parties and stakeholders in due  course to ensure an inclusive, transparent and collaborative approach  towards this important objective.  

Colleagues, 

Armenia approaches its COP 17 Presidency with responsibility and a  strong commitment to inclusiveness. We believe that COP17 must not  only assess collective progress, but also strengthen political  resolve to advance implementation in line with the objectives and  targets of the KMGBF.  

We look forward to engaging closely with all delegations as  preparations continue, and we welcome your views and insights as we  move toward COP17 in Yerevan.