CDKN’s Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Thematic Lead, Nadia Sitas, will represent CDKN at multiple events during CBD SBSTTA‑27 and SB‑8j1 in Panama. 

This year, CDKN will be represented at the 27th meeting of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-27), held from 20 to 24 October 2025 in Panama City, Panama. We will also be attending the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Article 8(j) and other Provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity Related to Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (SB8j-1), taking place from 27 to 30 October 2025. 

As a global agreement, the CBD promotes respect for the intrinsic value of nature, recognition of the importance of traditional knowledge, and a commitment to sustainable development and intergenerational equity. The SBSTTA was established by Article 25 of the CBD as an open-ended intergovernmental scientific advisory body, providing the Conference of the Parties (COP) and, as appropriate, its other subsidiary bodies, with timely advice relating to the implementation of the Convention.  

CDKN’s Ecosystem-Based Adaptation Thematic Lead, Nadia Sitas, will contribute to five official and partner events, and is organising an independent side event that builds on our ongoing efforts to integrate human rights-based approaches for biodiversity and climate action. We invite participants and partners to connect with us in Panama and share insights on how we can collectively accelerate implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework through equitable, locally-informed approaches. 

CDKN events aligned with CBD SBSTTA-27  

Workshop on the assessments adopted by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in 2024 and forthcoming assessments 

Date: Saturday 18 October  
Location: Contact Group 1 Room (Atlapa Convention Center, Panama City) 
Time: 08.00-17.00 (UTC -5) 
Hosts: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)  

More details: https://www.cbd.int/conferences/panama-2025/ipbes-workshop 

A one-day workshop to provide an opportunity for IPBES experts to present the recently completed IPBES Nexus Assessment Report and Transformative Change Assessment Report, and an overview of the assessments currently in preparation, such as the second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. The workshop also aims to facilitate a discussion on the findings of these assessments and the use of these findings in implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Nadia is the Coordinating Lead Author of the Nexus Assessment. 

IPBES Nexus and Transformative Change Assessments – Knowledge to Inform Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 

Date: Monday 20 October  
Location: Asia and the Pacific Room, 1st floor 
Time: 13.15 (UTC -5) 
Hosts: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)  

More details:  https://www.cbd.int/side-events/6735 

IPBES will provide an overview of the work of IPBES, including ongoing work under its four functions (assessing knowledge, building capacity, strengthening the knowledge foundations, supporting policy). Experts from the recently completed IPBES Nexus and Transformative Change Assessments will then provide an overview of each assessment, including how assessment findings can inform implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and support achievement of its goals and targets. The side event will conclude with closing remarks on how the CBD plans to use these IPBES assessments. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the event. 

IPBES Ongoing assessments and opportunities for engagement 

Date: Tuesday 21 October  
Location: Africa Regional Group Room, 1st floor 
Time: 18.15 (UTC -5) 
Hosts: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)  

More details: https://www.cbd.int/side-events/6736 

This side event will provide a brief introduction to the work of IPBES, including ongoing work under its four functions (assessing knowledge, building capacity, strengthening the knowledge foundations, supporting policy). It will then provide a brief update on currently ongoing assessments, including the business and biodiversity assessment, the monitoring assessment, the assessment on integrated biodiversity inclusive spatial planning and ecological connectivity and the second global assessment of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Participants will have an opportunity to ask questions during the event. 

Becoming Good Future Ancestors: Making Intergenerational Equity a Reality in KMGBF Implementation & Monitoring 

Date: Wednesday 22 October  
Location: Africa Regional Group Room, 1st floor 
Time: 18.15 (UTC -5) 
Hosts: The Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) 

More details: https://www.cbd.int/side-events/6783 

In this side event, the Global Youth Biodiversity Network (GYBN) will: 

• Launch its recent publications that provide relevant guidance and recommendations on Intergenerational Equity and Youth-responsive Monitoring for Biodiversity; and 

• Open a space for different actors to collectively explore how we can advance the application of intergenerational equity in the implementation and monitoring of the KMGBF.   

Bringing together Parties, Indigenous Peoples, women, youth, civil society, UN agencies, and more, this opportunity aims to bridge diverse perspectives on how we can secure a liveable and dignified future for all generations before it’s too late. 

Aligning Voices: Multi-Actor Pathways for Just and Equitable Policy Coherence across the Rio Conventions 

Date: Thursday 23 October  
Location: Asia and the Pacific Room, 1st floor 
Time: 18.15 (UTC -5) 
Hosts: CBD | OHCHR | SwedBio | CDKN | CBD Women Caucus | GYBN | W4B | WWF | IMPACT | SGI 

More details: https://www.cbd.int/side-events/6802 

This side event will convene a diversity of actors to share their actionable insights and innovations in aligning biodiversity, climate, and land governance, while ensuring human rights-based and equitable outcomes. It seeks to build a shared understanding of inclusive approaches to enhanced policy coherence across the three Rio Conventions, while providing evidence that grounds such efforts in a human rights-based approach (HRBA) also supports sustainable outcomes towards achieving the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, Paris Agreement, and Land Degradation Neutrality 

From Dialogue to Action: Advancing a Human Rights-Based Approach for Biodiversity and Climate 

Date: Saturday 25 October  
Location: Hilton Hotel, Panama City, Panama 
Time: Half-day (13:00 – 18:00 UTC -5) followed by networking dinner 
Hosts: Swedbio | BESNet | CDKN | Soka Gakkai International  

This event will be held as a half-day event followed by a networking dinner in Panama City, tentatively scheduled for 25 October 2025. Independent of the SBSTTA-27 and SB-8j meetings, and organised by CDKN, this event offers a strategic opportunity for participants already engaged in these meetings to join a focused, action-oriented gathering. If you would like to join us for this event, please reach out to Nadia via email at nadia@southsouthnorth.org 

Building on our active engagement at CBD COP16, where we championed integrated and just biodiversity and climate action, CDKN’s participation at SBSTTA-27 and SB8j-1 continues this commitment to shaping global policy processes through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and inclusive dialogue.