The 26th GMS WGE Annual Meeting will discuss key challenges and possible solutions for the region in the light of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) and in preparation on their pathway to the upcoming COP27 and COP15 in 2022. Day 1 will focus on Theme 1 building climate and disaster resilience by focusing on climate risks, challenges and possible solutions in the light of the themes identified at COP26 to tackle the root causes of climate vulnerability. Day 2 will focus on Theme 3 promoting Climate-smart Landscapes (CSL), how climate change and biodiversity loss can be addressed, and how local livelihoods can improve as a result of these measures. There will be a short field visit on Day 3.

Objectives

1. To share national priorities and strategies of the GMS countries to build climate resilience and strengthen biodiversity conservation

2. To examine challenges and opportunities in the light of the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) for the GMS

3. To explore solutions to build climate and disaster resilience and strengthen biodiversity conservation in the GMS on their pathway to the upcoming COP27 and COP15 in 2022

4. To discuss national and subregional climate resilience and post-2020 biodiversity conservation frameworks and actions in the GMS in the context of COPs, COVID-19 and the GMS RIF

5. To agree upon priority actions for regional cooperation under the CCESP to improve climate and disaster resilience, and biodiversity conservation in the GMS

Expected Output

1. Better GMS regional understanding of the national and subregional climate resilience and biodiversity conservation frameworks and national priorities and strategies of the GMS countries to build climate resilience and strengthen biodiversity conservation.

2. Challenges, opportunities and solutions identified to build climate and disaster resilience and strengthen biodiversity conservation in the GMS on their pathway to the upcoming COP27 and COP15 in 2022

3. GMS WGE Annual Meeting Summary Statement with priority actions for regional collaboration

Target Participants

• GMS WGE representatives

• Representatives from GMS agencies for climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation

• Academic institutions

• Relevant private sector

• Development partners

• ADB staff

• TA9915 Consultant team