Join us in Yerevan, Armenia, for UN Biodiversity COP17, where governments, businesses and other stakeholders will come together to accelerate action for nature.
From 19-30 October 2026, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) will take place in Yerevan, Armenia. The conference comes at a critical moment for the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, as countries collectively review progress towards its 23 targets for the first time since the Framework was adopted in 2022.
For business, COP17 is an important opportunity to move the conversation from commitments to implementation. Companies have a key role to play in halting and reversing nature loss by understanding their impacts and dependencies on nature, integrating nature into business strategy and decision-making, and working across value chains and sectors to accelerate action.
About COP17
- The 17th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) will be held Yerevan, Armenia, on 19–30 October 2026.
- In 2026, the theme is ‘Taking action for nature’.
- The Parties will undertake the first global review of collective progress in the implementation of the Implementing the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). The review is expected to accelerate implementation.
- In addition to formal negotiations, there is a wide array of other programming and side events.
- Around 20.000 participants are expected to be present in Yerevan.
- More information:
- CBD: Convention on Biological Diversity
- Provisional agenda for COP17
- CBD Secretariat newsletter: CBD COP 17 Roundup
Why COP17 matters to businesses
- States are accelerating the KMGBF adoption – cannot be done without the private sector.
- COP17 will shape the wider discussion on how countries, companies and financial actors implement biodiversity commitments in practice.
- By attending COP17, companies demonstrate that the business sector is leading the change. Companies are a crucial part of the solution.
UN Global Compact at COP17
UN Global Compact will be on the ground in Yerevan, bringing together companies, experts and partners to exchange experiences, discuss practical solutions and explore how businesses can turn nature ambition into credible action.
We will host and participate in several events and conversations during COP17. More information about our programme, speakers and how to join will be added here as events are confirmed.
Our events in the Nordic pavilion – Blue Zone
Thursday 22 October
13:00 – 13:45 local time:
From nature awareness to business action: Building nature literacy across organisations
How can companies make nature everyone’s business? This highly interactive session explores the knowledge, skills and capabilities needed across company functions to turn nature awareness into better decisions and action, with practical perspectives from business and experts.
Participants:
Stacey Baggaley, Principal Specialist, Nature and Business, UNEP-WCMC.
Marian Gimeno, Nature Capacity Building Manager, WBCSD.
Moderated by Albert Askeljung Andrée, UN Global Compact Network Sweden
Friday 23 October
10:00 – 10:45 local time:
Sourcing for Nature and Resilience: Business cases from global supply chains
Companies from different sectors share practical examples of responsible sourcing, supplier collaboration and nature stewardship – what they are doing, what they have learned and what comes next.
Participants:
Justice Selorm Nutakor, Sustainability & Regeneration Manager, atNorth.
Cath Tayleur, Associate Environmental Director, Novo Nordisk.
15.00 – 15.45 local time:
Nature tools to understand financial risks across Europe
In this event we will present the latest data from the ENCORE Insights: Country Dashboard, showing the scale of nature dependence across many European economies. We will also share how data can be used to inform decisions and drive pan-European investment in a nature-positive future.
Participants:
Claudia Gray, Director Nature-Related Finance, Global Canopy.
Mads Steinmüller, Head of Climate & Nature, Danske Bank.
Co-organised with Global Canopy
Saturday 24 October
13:00 – 13:45 local time:
Circular for nature: how scaling up circular business models accelerates the delivery of biodiversity outcomes
How can circular business models deliver real biodiversity outcomes? This panel looks at practical examples from the retail sector and what is needed to move from individual pilots to solutions that scale across value chains.
Participants:
Nina Elomaa, S Group.
Tiina Suvanto, Kesko.
Marianne Kettunen, Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Monday 26 October
09:00 – 09:45 local time:
A deep dive on credible corporate nature strategies
This session brings together companies to share practical lessons from developing and implementing nature strategies. The conversation will focus on what companies are learning in practice: what works, what is difficult, and where businesses need greater clarity or support.
The session will aim to move the conversation beyond “why nature matters” towards “how companies can act”, providing practical insights for businesses looking to develop or strengthen their own nature strategies.
A light breakfast will be served.
Participants:
Lizzy Elli, Global Engagement Lead, Business for Nature.
Anne Mette Erlandsson Christiansen, Head of Sustainability Strategy, Arla Foods.
Guilherme Camargo, Nature Lead, Tetra Pak.
Moderated by Albert Askeljung Andrée, UN Global Compact Network Sweden
Co-organised with Business for Nature
Want to learn more?
Interested in COP17, our activities in Yerevan or opportunities to get involved?
Contact Albert Askeljung Andrée, Programme Manager, Environment and Climate at UN Global Compact Network Sweden.
COP17 will bring together Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity alongside indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society, science, youth, businesses and other stakeholders.
When: 19-30 October 2026
Where: Yerevan, Armenia
