COP17: Armenian FM stresses need to turn biodiversity protection commitments into action

Armenia views its COP17 presidency as an opportunity to help countries build trust, bridge differences, and advance a common agenda, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ararat Mirzoyan said at the opening ceremony of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in Yerevan. 

Mirzoyan emphasized that the conference is taking place amid profound changes in international relations, as geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and competition among national priorities are placing greater pressure on international institutions and cooperation mechanisms.

“Under these circumstances, the United Nations, other relevant international organizations, and the principles of multilateralism remain central by providing a platform where states, regardless of their resources, capabilities, or political differences, can interact on an equal footing, reconcile divergent interests, and jointly pursue common goals,” the minister said.

Effective multilateralism, he said, is an important component of Armenia’s foreign policy. Armenia attaches importance to the sovereign equality of states, inclusive dialogue, and the ability of international institutions to respond to the needs and priorities of their members.

He described the Convention on Biological Diversity as an important example of such cooperation, noting that achievements over more than three decades demonstrate the ability of states to set common goals while accommodating diverse national circumstances.

Referring to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework adopted in 2022, the minister stressed the need to translate commitments into action.

“The objective now is to match the commitments made with sustained engagement and practical implementation. The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, COP17, in particular through the first Global Review of collective progress, provides an opportunity to assess how the international community is fulfilling this responsibility. Armenia’s decision to host COP17, and, moreover, to hold the Leaders’ Summit on Biodiversity, reflects our commitment to actively contributing to these international processes and assuming the responsibility that accompanies them,” Mirzoyan said.

The minister emphasized that biodiversity protection is also a matter of direct national importance for Armenia. The country’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems are important parts of its natural heritage and require responsible protection and conservation. According to him, hosting COP17 provides an opportunity to link this national responsibility with Armenia’s contribution to global efforts to protect and restore nature.

Mirzoyan noted that, in preparing for the conference, the Armenian side had been guided by an awareness of the presidency’s institutional and diplomatic responsibilities.

“We do not view the presidency as an end in itself, but as an opportunity to help the Parties build trust, bridge differences, and advance a common agenda. We are confident that the dialogue we will continue to foster both during the Conference and throughout the upcoming two-year presidency will contribute to the adoption of decisions that take into account the interests of all Parties and help advance our common goals,” he said.

The minister also outlined the principles that will guide Armenia during its presidency.

“We will be guided by the principles of impartiality, inclusiveness, and respect for the intergovernmental nature of the Convention. We recognize that the role of the presidency is to facilitate the negotiation process and identify common ground, while decisions on substantive issues and the implementation of relevant actions remain the collective responsibility of the Parties,” Mirzoyan emphasized.

He also addressed the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate change, food security, and sustainable development, noting that biodiversity’s significance on the international agenda extends far beyond environmental protection.

“Decisions taken in one area are increasingly affecting other areas, creating both opportunities and challenges for national policies and international cooperation. This requires closer coordination among these areas and greater attention to their interconnectedness as we implement our commitments,” the minister said.

Mirzoyan reaffirmed his readiness to work in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation to achieve tangible results at the conference. He thanked the delegations and participants for coming to Yerevan, wishing them productive deliberations and a pleasant stay in Armenia.

The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is held in conjunction with the 12th meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CP-MOP-12) and the sixth meeting of the Parties to the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-sharing (NP-MOP-6). COP17 marks the first global review of collective progress toward implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).