Notification 2021-046

Dear Madam/Sir, 

Further to the recent deliberations of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI) at the virtual formal session of its third meeting, under agenda item 5 concerning the post-2020 global biodiversity framework, an additional period of consultation is proposed on the draft outline of a post-2020 gender plan of action (document CBD/SBI/3/4/Add.2/Rev.1). The outputs of the consultation will contribute to the preparation of a draft gender plan of action for the post-2020 period, for consideration by the Conference of the Parties at its fifteenth meeting, as envisaged in the SBI Conference Room Paper on other matters related to the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (CBD/SBI/3/CRP.9). Earlier versions of the draft outline of a gender plan of action were made available in two consultations through notifications 2020-055 and 2021‑014. 

            The extended consultation will comprise a virtual discussion and written submissions on the draft outline.

Virtual discussion

            The virtual discussion will be divided into two sessions, to enable consideration of the following aspects of the draft outline of a post-2020 gender plan of action: 

• Views on the purpose of the plan and linkage with the post-2020 global biodiversity framework;
• Views on the proposed expected outcomes and associated objectives; and
• Views on the actions proposed, including associated deliverables, timelines and responsible actors.

To accommodate Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations in different time zones, the first session will be held on 27 July 2021 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (EDT), and the second on 29 July 2021 from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. (EDT).   

A set of guiding questions to support the discussion, together with other relevant information, will be made available in advance of the meeting on its webpage at: https://www.cbd.int/meetings/GB-OM-2021-03.

I am therefore pleased to invite Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations to nominate up to two representatives to participate in this discussion.  Nominations should be submitted through an official letteraddressed to the Executive Secretary, signed by the National Focal Point or the Head of the organization, and indicating the name and full contact details of the nominees.  Nominations should be sent to secretariat@cbd.int, or faxed to +1 (514) 288-6588, as soon as possible, but no later than 12 July 2021.  The discussion sessions will be conducted in English.

            Please note that, with a view to fostering an interactive discussion, the number of participants will be limited.  In case that a larger number of interested participants are nominated, the Secretariat will take into account their expertise and experience, while ensuring balanced geographical distribution and due regard to gender balance, when undertaking final registration.

Written submissions

            Parties, other Governments and relevant organizations, including those who will not be able to participate in either discussion session, are invited to provide views on the draft outline of a post-2020 gender plan of action and responses to the guiding questions in writing to the Secretariat by e-mail at secretariat@cbd.int, or by fax to +1 (514) 288-6588, as soon as possible, but no later than 27 July 2021.  Submissions received prior to this date may be taken into consideration in the virtual discussion.

            I look forward to your active participation and thank you for your continued support to the work of the Convention.

Please accept, Madam/Sir, the assurances of my highest consideration.

 Elizabeth Maruma Mrema

                  Executive Secretary