Armenia to take center-stage in global environmental agenda with COP17 in 2026

The Armenian government and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) have signed an agreement whereby Armenia officially commits to hosting the seventeenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), the twelfth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety, and the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization.

Armenian Minister of Environment Hambardzum Matevosyan announced the signing on Saturday.

The meetings will take place in Armenia from October 18 to 30, 2026.

“This is a legal obligation that affirms Armenia’s commitment and responsibility in organizing the conference. Through the agreement, Armenia undertakes to ensure the necessary infrastructure, security, and organizational support for holding the event. These provisions are aimed at ensuring the high-level implementation of the conference and at establishing a solid foundation for effective cooperation between the state and the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity,” he said.

Matevosyan noted that COP17 will bring together dozens of world leaders, ministers, scientists, and representatives of international organizations and civil society.

He added that hosting the event would allow Armenia to present to the world not only its rich biodiversity and initiatives for preserving nature, but also its capacity as a reliable organizer of major international events.

“In 2026, Armenia will become the center of the global environmental agenda, creating a new platform for strengthening international relations and advancing joint initiatives,” the minister said.