With the aim of providing spaces to share knowledge, build capacities, establish networks and exchange experiences in matters related to the Escazú Agreement, the Secretariat offers the possibility of requesting official side events in the framework of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties, extraordinary meeting, to be held between 19 and 21 April 2023, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Considering the physical space constraints at the meeting, all side events organized in the framework of the extraordinary meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Escazú Agreement will be virtual.

The call for side events will be open from 23 February to 16 March 2023. Please use the application form of this call to request an event. Each organizer may request only one event.

1. MODALITY AND SCHEDULE:

Side events may be organized during certain segments of the meeting as well as the day before the meeting. Events will be online and will have a maximum duration of one hour and thirty minutes each. Up to two side events may be held in each segment depending on the number of applications received. Events can take place in Spanish and English. Organizers may provide simultaneous interpretation.

Official side events may be held online in the following segments (Buenos Aires, Argentina time):

Wednesday, 19 April 2023:

• 9.30 - 11.00 am
• 11.00 am - 12.30 pm
• 12.30 - 2.00 pm
• 2.00 - 3.30 pm
• 3:30 pm - 5.00 pm

Thursday, 20 April 2023:

• 8.00 – 9.30 am
• 12.30 – 2.00 pm
• 5.00 – 6.30 pm

Friday, 21 April 2023:

• 8.00 – 9.30 am
• 12.30 – 2.00 pm
• 5.00 – 6.30 pm

2. GUIDELINES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In the selection of side events, the Secretariat will give priority to those that:

• Address current and relevant issues for the Escazú Agreement and its effective implementation.
• Share transformative and impactful actions.
• Involve various organizations, partners and actors.
• Use interactive formats that encourage dialogue and exchange among participants.
• Promote diversity and inclusion in their design and structure, fostering multi-stakeholder participation with gender balance and intergenerational, intercultural and geographical representation.

Side event organizers will be responsible for:

• Organizing and promoting the side event.
• Providing an adequate virtual platform and live webcast.
• Inviting panellists and speakers.
• Managing the registration of participants (receiving and confirming registrations).
• Offering and hiring simultaneous interpretation, if appropriate.
• Covering any expenses related to the organization of the event.
• Ensuring good use of time and compliance with the proposed objectives.
• Preparing a short one-page synopsis summarizing the discussions and conclusions of the event for future posting on the conference website.

3. APPLICATIONS

• To request a virtual side event, please use the form found in Annex 1 of the application form.
• The deadline to apply for an online side event is 16 March 2023 at 11:59 pm, Santiago, Chile time.
• The Secretariat encourages Parties and all interested persons to submit the application form as soon as possible.
• If more applications than spaces are available are received, applicants may be invited to merge sessions.
• The Secretariat will publish the list of selected side events on 23 March 2023.
• Information about them will be included in the official agenda and on the COP website.

4. CONTACT

For any questions related to online side events, please contact the Secretariat of the Escazú Agreement: secretaria.escazu@cepal.org