Meeting of the ad hoc Expert Group on the Arrangements of the Secretariat of the Convention to be held on 18–19 December in Geneva

The discussions in Geneva will build on the work of the first meeting of the Expert Group, held on 18–19 December 2023 in Baku, where representatives of the Contracting Parties considered key issues related to the legal capacity, host country arrangements, immunities and privileges, organizational structure, staffing and financing of the Secretariat. That meeting resulted in a list of outstanding issues for further consideration and a working paper summarizing proposals and positions of the Contracting Parties.

Delegations will have an opportunity to present updated views and explore options for advancing agreement on the main elements of the Secretariat arrangements, with a view to supporting the preparation of draft documents for consideration by the Contracting Parties. The Geneva meeting represents a further step in implementing the mandate of the Ministerial Consultations and in moving toward an agreed framework.