CO-OP4CBD is organising a two-day training session for civil society organisations ahead of COP17 Armenia, aiming to strengthen engagement in processes of the Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD). Particular attention will be afforded to youth, traditional knowledge holders' and women's organisations.

The training is organised by the French National Museum of Natural History (MNHN) with the support of the HUN-REN Centre for Ecological Research and will take place in Paris (France) between 22 and 23 April 2026.

The workshop will provide practical guidance to enhance the meaningful participation of civil society in the UN CBD, including in preparation for COP17 (to be held in October 2026 in Armenia). Over two days, participants will explore Convention processes and mechanisms as well as work with concrete tools and strategies to enhance their involvement in these processes. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of civil society from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), underscoring how they can contribute by articulating local and regional perspectives on biological diversity and thereby advancing the implementation of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Members of youth, traditional knowledge holders', or women's organisations, willing to share their experiences with other initiatives or deepen their understanding on UN CBD processes, were invited to register by the 10th March 2026.

The training agenda will be made available shortly. The programme will combine targeted inputs with hands-on exercises designed to build capacity and confidence for effective participation.