On 21-22 April, the 2026 Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (RFSD2026) for the ECE Region took place in Geneva, Switzerland. Under the theme “Transforming Together: Innovative and Equitable Actions for the SDGs”, this forum focused on enhancing and coordinating actions towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

During the RFSD2026, the side event “Education for Biodiversity: Accelerating Delivery of the Global Biodiversity Framework” took place. Co-organised by UNEP, the Geneva Environment Network, UNECE, UNESCO, the Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD) and the Governments of Cyprus, Slovenia and Armenia, this side event explored how education can accelerate the implementation of the KMGBF. 

In particular, it presented regional experiences, identified policy entry points as well as explored how education systems and national biodiversity strategies could align better with presentations from the following speakers:

• H.E. Amb. Mher Margaryan - Special Envoy for the Armenian Presidency of the UN CBD COP17;
• Françoise Jacob - UN Resident Coordinator in Armenia;
• Elisabeth Bernhardt - Head, Communication and Awareness, UN CBD;
• Cristina Romanelli - Programme Officer, Department of Environment, Climate Change, One Health and Migration, WHO;
• Samuel Partey - Head, Science Unit, Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, UNESCO;
• Vardan Melikyan - Environmental Technical Advisor, NBSAP Accelerator Partnership, Armenia;
• Rowan Palmer - Programme Management Officer, Resources and Market Branch, UN Environment Programme;
• Katalin Czippan - Strategic Advisor & Nature Education for Sustainability Co-Chair, IUCN Commission on Education and Communication;
• Bernard Combes - Independent Expert;
• Wondwosen Asnake Kibret - Regional Coordinator for Nature Action, Europe Office, UN Environment Programme | Moderator.

Read more about this side event on education for biodiversity here.