Introduction and Background

Following the submission of the seventh national reports in February 2026, the first Global Review of collective progress in implementing the Kunming‑Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) provides a shared reference point for understanding how ambition and implementation are unfolding across countries and policy frameworks. While this initial picture of progress is necessarily diverse and uneven, it offers valuable insights into where implementation is advancing, where challenges persist, and where cooperation can add value.

This side event will provide a space for reflection and exchange on how cooperation and synergies across multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs) can support KMGBF implementation in the context of the Global Review. Building on the Bern Process, the event will bring together national focal points, MEA secretariats, stakeholders and partners to discuss emerging experiences following the submission of the seventh national reports, including practical examples of coordinated approaches to biodiversity commitments, reporting and implementation at the national level. Through different perspectives, the discussion will explore how existing experiences and collaboration across MEAs can contribute to learning, dialogue and coherent action for the implementation of biodiversity goals.

The side event is directly relevant to SBI agenda items on planning, monitoring, reporting and review, with further relevance to biodiversity mainstreaming as well as capacity‑building and technical and scientific cooperation. It contributes to ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation and synergies among biodiversity‑related conventions and other MEAs in support of the implementation of the KMGBF.

Objectives

The side event aims to:

1. Reflect on the contribution of MEA cooperation and synergies to the implementation of the KMGBF in the context of the first Global Review, including lessons emerging from the seventh national reports.
2. Explore how insights from the Global Review can support more coherent and coordinated national implementation of the KMGBF, including through NBSAP implementation, reporting processes, and whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
3. Highlight the role of the Bern Process in supporting dialogue, learning and cooperation across MEAs, and identify practical opportunities for strengthening synergies and coordinated action in support of the KMGBF.

Structure of the Event

Segment 1: Global Perspectives will bring together reflections from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, governments, MEA secretariats and research partners on cooperation, coherence and the role of collaborative platforms. The discussion will consider lessons emerging from the first Global Review and the contribution of the Bern Process to strengthening cooperation among biodiversity-related conventions.

Segment 2: Country and Stakeholder Perspectives will focus on national experiences and practical approaches to coordinated implementation. Contributions will highlight lessons from the seventh national reports, whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches, policy coherence, coordination across MEAs, and capacity needs for integrated implementation.

Throughout the session, emphasis will be placed on open and interactive exchange. The event will not seek to develop new commitments, but rather to foster dialogue, mutual learning and practical cooperation in support of the implementation of the KMGBF.

Provisional Agenda

SEGMENT 1: Global Perspectives: MEA Cooperation under the KMGBF – Insights from the Global Review and the Bern Process

SEGMENT 2 - Translating Global Review Insights into Coordinated National Action across MEAs