The President of the Republic delivered a speech at the official opening of the high-level segment at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity

As part of his working visit to Colombia, President Vahagn Khachaturyan attended the official opening of the high-level segment at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Cali and delivered a speech. During the event, speeches were also given by President of Colombia Gustavo Petro and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The President of the Republic said in his speech:

"It is my great pleasure to participate in the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Colombia for the excellent organization of the COP16 and warm hospitality.

Being the first biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework it provides an exceptional opportunity to jointly assess the actions taken by the parties within the last two years and devise necessary steps for the effective implementation of the Framework as a new global strategic blueprint for environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

In light of the Global Biodiversity Framework, Armenia has been steadfast in the development of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in an inclusive whole-of-society manner which will significantly contribute to global efforts to realize the vision of "Peace with Nature" by 2050.

We attach importance to inclusivity and multi-stakeholder participation, ensuring meaningful engagement from civil society, private sector, including women, youth, local communities, and academia.

Being a member of the Action Initiative of the Global Biodiversity Framework, Armenia, together with the fellow members of that initiative has been actively promoting efforts to garner positive attention and consensus of the parties and the stakeholders towards the implementation of the GBF.

These undertakings demonstrate Armenia's commitment to achieve transformative changes in national and international policies in line with our global commitments to address the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change in a holistic and comprehensive manner, while making sure that no one is left behind and the countries can achieve sustainable development in harmony with nature.

Madame President,

Armenia's commitment to global environmental sustainability is also reflected in its steadfast readiness to contribute to international endeavors for addressing the pressing environmental challenges. This commitment has been recently underlined by Armenia's formal expression of interest to host the next 17th meeting of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The strong environmental stewardship, the focus on green growth and green transition, the continuous strides for preservation of natural habitats and ecosystems, the commitment to international treaties and protocols on environmental protection uniquely position Armenia for hosting the COP17.

Holding the COP17 in Armenia will be an excellent opportunity to further multilateral efforts for global biodiversity protection, ensuring that diverse voices and perspectives are heard with meaningful multi-stakeholder engagement, while showcasing the natural richness of Armenia and the region.

I would like to assure all the distinguished delegations in this room, that, if entrusted with this important responsibility to host the 17th meeting of the parties and lead its crucial undertakings, Armenia will spear no effort to make sure that the CO17 will be another important milestone in our global efforts for biodiversity preservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Rest assured that our country's warm hospitality and commitment to multilateralism would foster an exceptional environment for deliberations within the framework of the Convention and its protocols and we would highly appreciate the support of all Parties."