Side events

During the 2023 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.

Schedule

Applications

Parties (including subsidiary bodies) and observers can hold side events of 90 minutes duration during lunch breaks and in the evenings of the meetings.

The deadline for side event applications has now passed. If you have submitted an application, we will be in contact with further details in due course.

Registration of organizers and speakers

Please note that organizers (who must participate in the COPs and be physically present at the side event), panelists (whether in person or online) and in-person attendees must be duly registered to the COPs. Panelists and in-person attendees not already registered to the COPs must be registered by the organizer for a ‘Side Events’ badge. Online attendees do not need to be registered. Additional information thereon will be provided to the organizers of side events upon confirmation of their event.

Technical specifications

Online participation in side events (i.e. online speakers, online attendees, and/or live broadcasting) will be made possible under specific requirements to be communicated shortly.

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: Ms. Isabella Zanin, E-mail: COPs_sideevents@brsmeas.org.