COP 17: Parallel Events and the GBF Pavilion

The 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference is more than a negotiation forum. Alongside the formal meetings, which are covering a wide range of topics that are essential for understanding the science, status and state of implementation for biodiversity action, the Blue Zone hosts a wide range of parallel events designed to foster dialogue, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and capacity building among stakeholders. These activities complement the official negotiations by providing dedicated spaces where ideas, experiences and solutions can be exchanged and explored.

From forums and summits to side events and thematic discussions, parallel events bring together Parties, indigenous peoples and local communities, experts, business leaders, youth, and other stakeholders to support action towards the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).

Parallel Events: Supporting Dialogue and Collaboration

Throughout COP 17, participants will have opportunities to engage in a variety of parallel events organised by the Secretariat, Parties, observer organisations, partner UN agencies, and multi-stakeholder initiatives. These include forums, summits, fairs, workshops, and side events that explore biodiversity issues from different perspectives and across a range of sectors.

These events offer valuable opportunities to share experiences, highlight initiatives, strengthen networks, and build capacity. They also help connect stakeholders working at local, national, regional, and global levels, encouraging collaboration, and supporting the exchange of knowledge needed to advance biodiversity action.

The GBF Pavilion: Accelerating Implementation

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Pavilion will once again be a key feature of COP 17. Located within the Blue Zone and open to registered conference participants, the GBF Pavilion will serve as a dedicated space focused on accelerating implementation of the KMGBF across a range of sectors and thematic areas.

The GBF Pavilion will bring together Parties, partners, organisations, and stakeholders for solution focused discussions on the key challenges and opportunities related to implementation of the Framework. Participants will have opportunities to share practical experiences, exchange knowledge, identify scalable solutions and strengthen collaboration.

Through thematic sessions covering issues such as invasive alien species, transformative change, mountain ecosystems, NBSAP implementation, education, food and agriculture, among others, the Pavilion will highlight practical pathways for translating global commitments into action. These sessions will highlight examples of implementation, share lessons learned and provide opportunities for participants to engage directly with practitioners, national focal points, partner organisations, and other stakeholders working to advance the goals and targets of the Framework.

Education is an area of particular interest at this year’s COP. In the negotiation room, Parties will be considering a decision around a draft Global Plan of Action for Education on Biodiversity (GPA-EB). On Education Day, 27 October, this will be complemented by the sharing of experiences, stories and best practices around this transformational area of focus. Click here to find out more.

By promoting collaboration, knowledge exchange and capacity building, the Pavilion helps bridge the gap between global commitments and action on the ground.

From Dialogue to Action

The outcomes of COP 17 will be shaped not only in negotiating rooms, but also through the conversations, partnerships and exchanges that take place throughout the conference. Parallel events and the GBF Pavilion provide valuable opportunities to connect expertise, highlight innovation, and support implementation efforts at all levels.

Together, these spaces help foster collaboration and the whole-of-society engagement needed to achieve the goals of the Convention, its Protocols, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.