Side events

During the 2025 meetings of the conferences of the Parties (COPs), side events will be held during lunch breaks and in the evenings on major issues covered under the conventions.

Side events serve as a platform for Parties (including subsidiary bodies), and observers to share knowledge, build capacity, network and exchange on experience in the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. They also contribute to fostering discussions on specific issues under consideration at the COPs.

For any questions related to the organization of side events, please refer to the Guidance for side event organizers (to be made available shortly).


Applications

Opportunities to hold side events of 90 minutes duration are available during lunch breaks and in the evenings of the meetings. Side event are held in-person with the possibility of online participation.

Applications for side events can be made by Parties (including subsidiary bodies) and observers. Side event organizers would need to be duly registered for and participate in the 2025 meetings of the conferences of the Parties.

Applications for side events can be made through the online application form by Friday, 14 February 2025 (23:59 CET).

Priority will be given to applications that:

  • Demonstrate links with the objectives of the conventions, the agendas of the 2025 BRS COPs and/or the theme of the 2025 BRS COPs which is “Make Visible the Invisible: sound management of chemicals and waste”
  • Are submitted by multiple organizers;*
  • Include a panel that takes into consideration gender and geographical balance.

*Each Party or observer can submit a maximum of one application for a side event as the sole organizer. For applications with multiple organizers, there must be one lead organizer, which will serve as the focal point for communication with the Secretariat. Other organizers are supporting organizers.

If more requests for side events are received than slots are available, applicants may be invited to organize joint events. Any applications submitted after the application deadline will not be considered.

Technical specifications

Online participation in side events will be available, subject to specific requirements that will be communicated soon.

Side event rooms are equipped with a computer, a projector, a screen, internet access and microphones. Organizers of side events who need to rent equipment or supplies on a commercial basis other than those provided free of charge may contact the Secretariat side event contact person mentioned below.

Catering

Catering for the side events may only be provided by the official caterer of the conference centre. Catering must be provided outside the side event rooms only. Organizers will be responsible for arranging the catering services and ensuring that no food or drinks are brought into the side event room. A form for ordering catering will be sent to the organizer upon confirmation of the side event.

The Secretariat reminds applicants that it reserves the right to reschedule or cancel side events at any time in the interest of the negotiating process and the overall management of the meetings.

Contact

For any questions related to side events, please contact: COPs_sideevents@brsmeas.org.