Fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5)

Becoming a Party at the time of the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties

The Minamata Convention entered into force on 16 August 2017, the 90th day after the date of deposit of the 50th instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. For each State or regional economic integration organization that ratifies, accepts or approves the Convention or accedes thereto after the deposit of this 50th instrument, the Convention will enter into force on the 90th day after the date of deposit by such State or regional economic integration organization of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. Hence, in order to be Parties to the Minamata Convention at the time of the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, countries and regional economic integration organizations that have not yet done so should deposit their instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession with the United Nations Secretary-General, who is the depository of the Convention, no later than 1 August 2023. The updated list of Parties can be found on the Convention website.

Registration and travel assistance

The names, titles and contact information of your designated representatives to attend the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (including postal addresses, telephone numbers and email addresses) should be communicated to the Secretariat using Kronos online registration platform that will be available from 3 July 2023. The link to access the registration platform with the instructions will be sent to National Focal Points to the Minamata Convention on Mercury and/or Permanent Missions to the United Nations Environment Programme and to the United Nations in Geneva and observer organisations contact emails.

Furthermore, Parties are requested to send to the Secretariat at MEA-MinamataMeetings [at] un.org the official nomination letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a note verbale from the Permanent Mission of the Party to the United Nations Office at Geneva with the names and contact details of the designated representatives. The deadline for registration in the online platform and for sending the official nomination letter for all parties except those requesting travel support is 29 September 2023.

Observers Governments and organisations approved to participate in the previous meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury are requested to send to the Secretariat at mea-minamatameetings [at] un.org the nomination letter signed by the head of the entity or other duly authorized representative. The deadline for registration in the online platform and for sending the nomination letter is 29 September 2023.

NOTE: the deadline for registration in the online platform and for sending the official nomination letter for sponsored delegates is 1 September 2023.

Please note that the completion of the registration process is subject to the submission of all required information and subsequent confirmation by the Secretariat. Delegates are invited not to make travel arrangements before receiving the registration confirmation from the Secretariat. Once the registration is validated in Kronos, each member of the delegation will receive a confirmation email with further logistical information and details.

In the nomination process of delegates to the meeting, it is strongly encouraged to ensure balanced gender representation within the participating delegations.

Credentials for Parties to the Minamata Convention

In order to take part in decision-making at the meeting, Parties must be accredited. Credentials for the head of delegation, alternate representatives and advisers are issued either by the Head of State or Government or by the Minister for Foreign Affairs. In the case of a regional economic integration organization, credentials should be issued by the competent authority of that organization. Information regarding any change in the composition of the delegation should be submitted using the same procedure.

Samples of credentials are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Original credentials must be submitted to the Secretariat no later than twenty-four hours after the opening of the meeting (therefore by 10 am on Tuesday, 31 October 2023). Parties are invited to submit their original credentials in advance of the meeting, preferably by 1 October 2023, in order to facilitate the clearance process, to:

The Executive Secretary
Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury
United Nations Environment Programme
Avenue de la Paix 8-14, 1211
Geneva 10, Switzerland

If not submitted in advance of the meeting, Parties can hand over original credentials of their representatives at the registration desk upon arrival at the meeting venue on the first day of the meeting.

Advance electronic copies of credentials can be sent to MEA-MinamataMeetings [at] un.org.

Travel support

Financial assistance may be available to support the participation of one participant per eligible developing country Party and Party with economy in transition. The assistance will include daily subsistence allowance (DSA) at United Nations rate and round-trip ticket. The sponsored participant must be clearly specified in the official nomination letter.

Important: the deadline for registration in the online platform and for sending the official nomination letter for sponsored delegates is 1 September 2023. Please note that early registration is encouraged.

Once confirmed for participation, the sponsored participants will receive additional instructions on their travel arrangements. Air travel will be arranged according to the United Nations regulations, via the most economical and direct means possible in all cases. Please note that changes to air tickets after they have been issued will not be permitted.

In order to facilitate the payment of subsistence allowance at the venue, sponsored participants will be requested to submit copies of their passport and boarding passes to the Secretariat staff at the location and time indicated during the meeting. For any query related to travel and DSA, sponsored participants are invited to contact the Secretariat at: mea-minamatameetings [at] un.org.

Accomodation

Please note that accommodation support for the non-sponsored governments and NGO representatives participating at the COP-5 may be provided by International Geneva Welcome Centre (CAGI). Please check CAGI website for more details about the eligibility criteria and the conditions that apply.

Participants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements in advance of the meeting and for covering any associated incurred costs. The Secretariat encourages all Parties to make such arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity.

An updated list of hotels offering preferential rates to the United Nations is available here.

Observers

As per paragraph 6 of Article 23 of the Minamata Convention, any body or agency, whether national or international, governmental or non-governmental, that is qualified in matters covered by the Convention and has informed the Secretariat of its wish to be represented at a meeting of the Conference of the Parties as an observer may be admitted unless at least one-third of the Parties present object.

Organizations approved to participate in the previous meetings of the Conference of the Parties did not need to resubmit such application for admission. See organizations listed in documents UNEP/MC/COP.1/INF/16, UNEP/MC/COP.2/INF/19, UNEP/MC/COP.3/INF/27 and UNEP/MC/COP.4/INF/28-Rev.1.

Organizations needed to submit to the secretariat by e-mail: mea-minamatameetings [at] un.org at least two months prior to the opening of the meeting, an application for admission as an observer at meetings of the COP, including information demonstrating it is qualified in matters covered by the Convention. The Secretariat will screen the applications to check their completeness and conformity with the requirements of the Convention. Successful applications will be submitted to COP-5.

Further information with regard to the participation of observers in meetings of the Conference of the Parties may be found at: mercuryconvention.org/Meetings/Observers.

Additional information on observers

Rule 6 of the rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties provides that the United Nations, its specialized agencies, the International Atomic Energy Agency, as well as any State not party to the Convention and any entity operating the mechanism referred to in paragraph 5 of Article 13 of the Convention, may, upon the invitation of the President, participate in the proceedings of any meeting without the right to vote, unless at least one-third of the Parties present at the meeting object.

Rule 7 of the rules of procedure provides that any body or agency, whether national or international, governmental or non-governmental, admitted as an observer may, upon the invitation of the President, participate without the right to vote in the proceedings of any meeting in matters of direct concern to the body or agency they represent, unless at least one-third of the Parties present at the meeting object.

Upon invitation by the President, observers may present their statements orally. The number of oral statements to be delivered at the meeting depends on the time available. With respect to NGOs, preference will be given to those speaking on behalf of groups of organizations or coalitions. Written statements could also be submitted in one of the official languages of the United Nations (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, or Spanish).

Media

Read the media advisory for COP-5, including information on the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Minamata Convention, to know what to expect from the fifth-day meeting in Geneva, Switzerland.

Media professionals that represent bona fide media organizations (formally registered as a media organization in a country recognized by the United Nations General Assembly) are invited to attend the fifth meeting of the Minamata Convention COP-5 taking place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 30 October to 3 November 2023. By following the accreditation process, each journalist can be issued with credentials to enable access to the plenary sessions, side events and exhibition area.

Media admittance follows the Guidelines for Media accreditation and access.

Accreditation will be granted upon presentation of valid press credentials, including each of the following:

1. Completed Accreditation Form
2. Letter of assignment on the official letterhead of a media organization signed by the publisher/assignment editor, editor-in-chief or bureau chief, specifying the name and functional title of the journalist. Unsigned letters or e-mails will not be accepted;
3. Photocopy of a valid press card/work pass; and
4. Photocopy of passport/national ID card.

Please submit the Accreditation Form together with the documents listed above as soon as possible to the Secretariat through the Communication and Knowledge Management Officer, Anna García Sans at anna.garcia [at] un.org.

Note that double accreditation is not allowed (e.g. as press and delegate, or as press and nongovernmental organization).

Visas

Participants are responsible for obtaining any necessary visa for entering Switzerland as well as any transit visa. Visas must be obtained prior to arrival. Please note that a Schengen visa is required even for transiting through Schengen zone European countries. As time required for the processing of visa requests may vary, it is strongly recommended that visa applications be made sufficiently in advance. More information is available on the website of the Swiss Department of Foreign Affairs.

Visa support letters can be provided by the Secretariat upon request.

Venue

The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from Monday, 30 October, to Friday, 3 November 2023. Regional consultations and other preparatory meetings will take place in the afternoon of Sunday, 29 October 2023.

The meeting will be held at:

Geneva International Conference Centre – Centre International de Conférences Genève (CICG)
Rue de Varembé 17. 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland
Tel.: + 41 (0) 22 791 91 11, Fax: + 41 (0) 22 791 90 64
Website: www.cicg.ch

Internet access

Free wireless internet access is available in all conference and meeting rooms and in the public areas of the CICG.

Restaurants / Catering services

Catering services for lunch will be available at the Geneva International Conference Centre, at the bar and restaurant located on the ground and first-floor levels. Other cafes, restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the meeting venue.

Banking facilities

Banking services are available at the nearby area, the closest one being UBS Switzerland AG Vermont-Nations located at Chemin Camille-Vidart 17b, 1202 Geneva.

On-site registration and badge issuance

Participants are requested to register online in advance of the meeting and obtain their meeting badge at the registration desk at the venue, upon presentation of one of the following valid identification documents, in Latin alphabets:

• Valid national passport issued by a government recognized by the United Nations;
• Valid national ID cards issued by a Schengen State;
• Valid travel document recognized by the UN.

The registration counter is located on the ground floor of the Geneva International Conference Centre and will have the following opening hours:

• Sunday, 29 October: 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm
• Monday to Friday, 30 October to 3 November: 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 pm

Access to the meeting venue is subject to the presentation of a valid meeting badge. For security reasons, the display of conference badges is mandatory at all times to gain access to the meeting venue and meeting rooms. Any loss of a conference badge should be reported immediately to the registration counter.

We encourage delegates to obtain their conference badge/register prior to the morning of 30 October to reduce the lineups on the day of the official opening.

Only the names of duly registered participants will be included in the list of participants of the meeting.

Schedule

The official opening of COP-5 will take place on Monday, 30 October 2023, at 10.00 a.m. The plenary sessions of the meeting are planned to be held daily from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and from 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. For more information, please refer to the annotated provisional agenda, available on COP-5 webpage.

The plenary sessions of the meeting will be live-streamed in English and the streaming will be made available through the COP-5 webpage and YouTube Channel.

Code of conduct

As notified by the Executive Secretary on 11 January 2023, the United Nations issued the Code of Conduct to prevent harassment, including sexual harassment, at UN System events, which include meetings, conferences, side events, workshops and other events organized under the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The Secretariat of the Minamata Convention is committed to enabling events at which everyone can participate in an inclusive, respectful and safe environment. Delegates are invited to familiarize themselves with the document.

Greening the COP*

The Minamata Convention Secretariat has taken steps to enhance and promote the environmental sustainability of its activities, including in the preparation and conduct of its meetings.

The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention (COP-5) will be conducted in accordance with the Secretariat’s environmental sustainability efforts. A number of measures will be put in place to reduce the environmental impact of COP-5 and offset unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions related to it.

The Secretariat will work with the Geneva International Conference Centre (CICG) and the caterer to reduce the environmental impact of their services. CICG and the caterer have adopted several measures to reduce their environmental footprint. For more information on the environmental measures taken by CICG, please consult the environmental chart of the Foundation for Buildings for International Organizations (FIPOI).

All participants have an essential role to play in reducing the environmental footprint of COP-5, and your support in this important effort is greatly appreciated.

Sustainability measures that will be adopted at the venue

1. Reducing waste production: COP-5 will aim at reducing wastes, especially plastic waste, at the meeting venue, in collaboration with CICG and the caterer:
   1. The use of plastic in containers, bottles, sandwich wraps, cutlery and cups will be minimized and replaced with alternatives. Please see below a table of items that will be available at COP-5, and suggested actions to reduce waste production;
   2. Participants are strongly encouraged to bring refillable drinking containers (cups, mugs, bottles) to be used at the Café/Restaurant and hydration stations located throughout the venue;
   3. A discount on hot drinks will be offered by the caterer at the Café le 6ème Continent (Ground Floor) and at the Restaurant (First Floor) to the participants who use their own reusable cups;
   4. The venue has a recycling programme, and recycling bins are disposed in various locations throughout the venue.
2. Paperless meeting: The meeting will be paperless and printed documents will not be available at the meeting. Making a meeting paperless considerably reduces the cost and carbon footprint of the meeting. Pre-session documents will be available on the meeting’s website and in-session documents (such as conference room papers) will be available electronically via the COP-5 webpage. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets.

Suggested actions for participants to support greening COP-5

Participants who organize their own travel to and from Geneva are encouraged to take the following actions:

1. Calculate the CO2 emissions related to their travels, using the ICAO flight emissions calculator;
2. Offset their emissions, using the United Nations carbon offset platform and sending a copy of the attestation to the Secretariat at mea-minamatameetings [at] un.org to help track progress in achieving climate neutrality of COP-5;
3. Replace short flights with rail trips, where possible;
4. Opt for direct routes that avoid additional emissions associated with multiple take-offs and landings;
5. Voluntarily lower the flight class to avoid the higher footprint of business class trips;
6. Use sustainable transportation, including buses, biking, walking, or carpooling for local trips where possible;
7. Shift meals to plant-based, locally produced, in-season, or eco-certified alternatives where possible;
8. Seek out accommodations that have a green guest program or have earned an eco-certification;
9. Stay at accommodations that are within walking distance of the meeting venue;
10. Reduce food waste and other waste;
11. Bring refillable drinking containers (cups, mugs, bottles) to be used at the Café/Restaurant and hydration stations;
12. Download any electronic documents for use onsite. Printed copies will not be provided, but participants will be able to recharge their devices;
13. Participate in the venue's recycling program.

 

The following items will be available at the COP venue. Please consider suggested actions to reduce waste and make COP-5 greener.

Items	Composition	Disposal	Suggested Actions to #greeningCOP5
Water cups	Paper	Recycling	PREVENT: bring your reusable cup/mug/bottle REUSE: reuse them as many times as possible RECYCLE: dispose of the paper cup in the paper recycling bin
Hot drink cups	Bamboo	Incineration	PREVENT: opt for reusable cups of the cafeteria or bring your own reusable mug/cup RECOVERY: dispose of the bamboo cup in the waste bin for incineration
Sandwich wrap	Polylactic Acid and paper	Incineration	RECOVERY: dispose of the sandwich wrap in the waste bin for incineration
Paper napkin	Paper	Incineration	PREVENT: only use if needed RECOVERY: dispose of the paper napkin in the waste bin for incineration
Packaging for snacks	Plastic (type)	Incineration	PREVENT: opt for healthier and unpacked snacks such as seasonal and local fruits RECOVERY: dispose of the plastic packaging in the waste bins for incineration
Drink bottles	Glass		RETURN: to the café/restaurant, as glass bottles are reusable
Drink cans	Aluminum	Recycling	RECYCLING: dispose of aluminum cans in the aluminum recycling bin
Glass containers	Glass		RETURN: to the café/restaurant, as glass containers are reusable
Porcelain plates	Porcelain		RETURN: to the café/restaurant, as porcelain plates are reusable
Stainless steel cutlery	Stainless steel		RETURN: to the café/restaurant, as stainless-steel cutlery is reusable
Disposable cutlery	Polylactic Acid	Incineration	PREVENT: opt for reusable stainless-steel cutlery, where possible RECOVERY: dispose of the cutlery in the waste bins for incineration
Cocktail verrines	Polylactic Acid	Incineration	PREVENT: opt for reusable alternatives if available RETURN: to the café/restaurant, as verrines can be washed and reused if not broken or damaged RECOVERY: if broken or damaged, dispose of the verrines in the waste bins for incineration
Food waste		Incineration	PREVENT: any food waste RECOVERY: dispose of any food waste in the waste bins for incineration

 

Thank you for your effort to #greeningCOP5!

For more information, please contact Maria Irene Rizzo, Associate Expert, at irene.rizzo [at] un.org.

*These actions are drawn from the document “United Nations Ozone Secretariat Event EMS Green Travel and Event Tips”, the 2023 Environmental Management System (EMS) Action Plans developed by the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention of Mercury and the Greening the 2023 COPs webpage of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

Health

First-aid and emergency medical services are available at the Geneva International Conference Centre.

Delegates with a chronic illness should carry all necessary medication and medical items for the entire duration of the journey, in their original containers, clearly labeled.

Delegates are advised to seek medical insurance with appropriate cover abroad, i.e. accident, sickness, medical repatriation and death. The United Nations does not cover life or medical insurance for participants. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the participants or of their Governments to obtain adequate insurance prior to travel to Switzerland.

COVID-19

It is the responsibility of each participant to familiarize themself with travel restrictions related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in the country of origin, including for transit and re-entry. The following websites provide information on entry requirements to Switzerland:

• Entry restrictions from the Federal Office of Public Health’s website
• Travelcheck

Appropriate precautionary and hygiene measures will be put in place at the meeting venue, in accordance with the requirements of the United Nations and the Government of Switzerland. The COVID-19 situation will be kept under review in the lead-up and during the meeting. The Secretariat strongly recommends that all participants in the meeting of the Conference of the Parties be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Participants with mobility issues requiring special arrangements are invited to contact the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention in advance of the meeting at: mea-minamatameetings [at] un.org

Further information

Hotel accomodation

Participants are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements in advance of the meeting and for covering any associated incurred costs. The Secretariat encourages all Parties to make such arrangements at the earliest possible opportunity.

An updated list of hotels offering preferential rates to the United Nations is available here.

List of participants

A tentative list of participants that attend COP-5 will be prepared by the Secretariat and made available on the Minamata Convention website. Delegates are reminded that the list of participants is based on the information provided by the delegates at the time of registration and that inclusion in the list of participants is conditional upon official registration.

Currency and rate of exchange

Swiss Franc (CHF). Average exchange rates, as of 14 June 2023: 1 US dollar~ 0.9043 CHF, 1 Euro ~ 0.9767 CHF. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in Switzerland.

Electricity

Participants are kindly requested to bring their own power adaptors.

Voltage: 220 volts.
Frequency: 50 Hz.
Plug/socket: C (CEE 7/16), J.

Time zone

Switzerland is in CEST time zone (UTC+2).

The dates of the regional preparatory meetings in 2023 are, as follows:

Please continue to check this page for updates on the regional meetings.

Introduction and calendar

COP-5 events are an informal platform for Parties and observers to share information and bring knowledge to advances in technology, research, and policy to the attention of Parties and to the global community that the Convention serves. Two types of COP-5 events are offered: online events and Knowledge Lab sessions.

Online events are 1-hour in duration, and take place virtually using the WebEx platform. The online events are scheduled for the week of October 9 to 13. Check the full calendar here.

Monday 9 October

Save the date and register now:

• 13h00-14h00 CEST: Science Policy Panel on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention: Building the Linkages from Science to Action (GEN). Video recording and more information here. 
• 14h45-15h45 CEST: Phasing out dental amalgam: An emerging need to eliminate mercury in products (The World Alliance & CEHF, Zambia). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 16h30-17h30 CEST: Mercury and Vulnerable Peoples: Pathways to Protection (UNEP). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 17h45-18h45 CEST: Mercury Management: First temporary mercury storage unit and protocol of implementation in Colombia (Pure Earth). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.

Tuesday 10 October

Save the date and register now:

• 11h00-12h00 CEST: Sharing the results of the Specific International Programme: Strengthening the legal framework and institutional capacities of ECOWAS countries (Senegal, Burkina Faso & Togo). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 13h00-14h00 CEST: Separating the need for a phase-out of mercury-added products (MAPs) from the challenges of collecting, storing, management and disposal of MAPs in an environmentally sound manner (Botswana & Burkina Faso). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 14h45-15h45 CEST: Catalyzing project impact and visibility through knowledge-driven capacity-building (Minamata Convention Secretariat). Video recording and more information here.
• 16h30-17h30 CEST: Reinforcing the health sector's commitment to the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury: The showcase of GEF-UNEP-WHO projects on mercury-added products (WHO). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 17h45-18h45 CEST: Navigating uncharted waters towards Mercury-Free SIDS (BRI). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.

Wednesday 11 October

Save the date and register now:

• 13h00-14h00 CEST: Information session on programme of work and budget (Parties only)
• 14h45-15h45 CEST: Specific International Programme: Achievements and Impacts of Second Round Projects from Around the World (Minamata Convention Secretariat). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 16h30-17h30 CEST: Advancing a Rights-based Approach to Addressing Mercury Contamination (OHCHR). Video recording and more information here.
• 17h45-18h45 CEST: Intercultural Dialogues: the role of Amazonian indigenous governments towards effective implementation of the Minamata Convention (Gaia Amazonas Foundation, Colombia). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here.

Thursday 12 October

Save the date and register now:

• 11h00-12h00 CEST: Addressing Hg pollution and biodiversity: from science to action (UNEP & BRI). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 13h00-14h00 CEST: Restricting the international mercury trade: A critical measure for protection of indigenous peoples’ human rights (IPEN). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 14h45-15h45 CEST: Addressing the Global Mercury Crisis in Skin Lightening Products (Uganda & ZMWG). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 16h30-17h30 CEST: AMAP 2021 Assessment of Mercury in the Arctic: Findings relevant to the Minamata Convention & Norway’s Mercury Assessment (Norway & AMAP). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 17h45-18h45 CEST: Accelerating the Phase Down of Dental Amalgam: Progress Continues (IADR). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.

Friday 13 October

Save the date and register now:

• 13h00-14h00 CEST: Mercury usage in small scale jewellery manufacturing sector and introducing non-mercury, environmentally friendly alternatives in Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 14h45-15h45 CEST: Mercury-Free Lighting - Multiple pathways to compliance (CLASP & SDPI, Pakistan). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 16h30-17h30 CEST: Turkish National Integrated Marine Pollution Monitoring Program (DEN-İZ) and PRTR Experience of Türkiye (Türkiye). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.
• 17h45-18h45 CEST: Identification of mining sites: processing and tailings, through the use of drones (Costa Rica). Watch the video recording of the event. More information here. Read the full presentations here.

Organizers’ tasks and responsibilities

It should be noted that organizers of the online events will be fully responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Organizing and promoting the event (a final decision on format will be taken at a later stage).
• Inviting panelists and speakers.
• Covering any expenses related to the participation of the panelists and speakers, e.g., communications allowance, etc. (if and as relevant).
• Mainstreaming the event beyond the Minamata Convention website so that it secures as broad an audience as possible.
• Preparing a short final report with a summary of the outcomes of the event for the purpose of being published on the Minamata Convention website.
• Giving due consideration to any media / social media activities relating to events, in cooperation with the Secretariat media team.

NOTE: Online Events seek to take account of global time zones. Organizers are expected to strictly keep to the schedule.

Online events will be limited to 60 minutes in duration, conducted using the WebEx platform and will be broadcasted on the Convention’s YouTube channel. Organizers must make sure that all the panelists join at least 15 minutes before their respective events and test their Audio-Video settings.

Introduction and schedule

Knowledge Lab sessions are 45-minutes in duration, generally with an open space set-up that is envisaged to be simple and straightforward for both organizers and the audience to interact. The Knowledge Labs are also designed to spur discussion and exchange of information during COP-5.  

The sessions will take place at the COP-5 venue, during the lunch break (14h00 – 14h45 CET), from Tuesday, 31 October to Friday, 3 November. The topics and organizers can be seen from the schedule.

For the organizer's responsibilities, please read the note for organizers.

The Secretariat is no longer accepting applications for Knowledge Labs. 

Monday 30 October

No Knowledge Labs

Tuesday 31 October

Save the date: 14h00 – 14h45 CET

• VCM from Acetylene Can Be Made Without Mercury (NRDC) Location: Space B, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.
• Indigenous Women, Inter-Generational Knowledge & Mercury Contamination (IITC) Location: Space C, Floor 0

Wednesday 1 November

Save the date: 14h00 – 14h45 CET

• Exploring sustainable ASGM technology in Papua New Guinea (Australia & Papua New Guinea) Location: Room 2, Floor B1. See Presentation Materials here.
• Indigenous Peoples in the Arctic and the Amazon: Monitoring experiences and the implementation and effectiveness evaluation of the Minamata Convention (Inuit Circumpolar Council) Location: Room C, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.
• March to Mercury-Free Dentistry, Country by Country, Region by Region (World Alliance for Mercury-Free Dentistry) Location: Space B, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.
• Mitigating mercury usage and environmental contamination: A multi-scalar, mixed methods approach for artisanal and small- scale gold mining (Artisanal Gold Council) Location: Space C, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.

Thursday 2 November

Save the date: 14h00 – 14h45 CET

• Hepatoprotective activity of Mercury containing Lokanatha Rasa with special reference on Hepatocellular carcinoma (Sri Lanka) Location: Space B, Floor 0
• Tailings Management – Reduce the Mercury concentration on contaminated tailings. Case Study: Colombia (Pure Earth) Location: Space A, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.
• Mainstreaming gender in capacity- building projects: practical approaches (Minamata Convention Secretariat) Location: Space C, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.

Friday 3 November

Save the date: 14h00 – 14h45 CET

• Primary Drivers of Mercury (Hg) Accumulation in Tropical Lake Lantoa, Sulawesi, Indonesia (Australian National University) Location: Space A, Floor 0. Read the full presentation here.
• Georgian Painters for Mercury Pollution Prevention and Clean up (ICFER, Georgia) Location: Space B, Floor 0
• Mercury: Bridging Science, Policy, and the Minamata Convention through Doctoral Training (Jožef Stefan Institute) Location: Space C, Floor 0. See Presentation Material here.

Information on the COP-5 Exhibition

The Minamata COP-5 Exhibition will provide an opportunity for partner institutions, non-governmental organizations, intergovernmental organizations, academia, and private companies to exhibit their activities, projects and technologies that are available to support the implementation of the Convention.

Exhibitors are invited to showcase their activities, projects as well as relevant alternative mercury-free technologies. Exhibitors are also be encouraged to share and demonstrate how their work contributes towards attaining the objectives of the Minamata Convention.

The target audience of the COP-5 Exhibition are delegates, observers, and visitors as well as other representatives from the private and public sector, civil society and media that are invited to attend the fifth meeting of the conference of parties to the Minamata Convention. 

United Nations rules with regard to the marketing activities by private companies in a United Nations conference centre

Private companies can exhibit only what is pertinent to the conference they have been invited for and must not at any time neither solicit, transact nor market their services. The exhibition shall be for information purposes only, for the benefit of the participants to the conference.

Registration and access at COP-5

Exhibitors will be issued a guest pass to enter the CICG for the duration for the meeting. The pass entitles exhibitors access to the venue and common areas only. The guest pass will not allow exhibitors to enter COP-5 meeting rooms that are designated for the use of COP-5 parties for discussion and negotiations.

Exhibitors are to register at the COP-5 registration desk at the CICG during the meeting to secure their guest pass or badge. No prior online registration is needed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• 1. What items are provided by the Secretariat?

The following items are covered by the Secretariat:
- Exhibition space
- 2 Chairs
- 1 Table
- 1 pin-up board

• 2. Are there other costs that COP-5 exhibitors have to cover?

COP-5 exhibitors will need to pay for the additional items arranged through the CICG that are not provided for by the Secretariat, e.g., TV, laptops, exhibit partitions, etc. For the availability and pricing of the items, COP-5 exhibitors can contact the responsible personnel of the CICG directly, Ms. Lisa Diop at l.diop [at] cicg.ch, with a copy to l.pellandini [at] cicg.ch.

• 3. Do COP-5 exhibitors need to be accredited observers to the Minamata COPs?

No. However, they need to register with the Minamata registration team at the CICG and receive a guest badge to access the exhibition area and the common places. Please note that this badge will not allow COP-5 exhibitors to enter the meeting rooms.

• 4. Will accreditation to Global Mercury Partnership be automatically valid for the Minamata COPs?

No. The Minamata Convention has a separate accreditation procedure. For more information on being accredited as an observer under the Minamata Convention please click here.

• 5. Can the exhibitors bring their own banner to identify their booth?

Yes. COP-5 exhibitors can bring their own banners, information materials, etc., to share with COP-5 participants. The Secretariat strongly encourages COP-5 exhibitors to share in the Secretariat’s Greening the COP efforts, e.g., reducing waste, avoiding the use of plastics, etc. For more information on the initiative please click here. 

• 6. Is there a United Nations rule with regard to the marketing activities by private companies in a United Nations conference centre?

Private companies can exhibit only what is pertinent to the conference they have been invited for and must not at any time neither solicit, transact nor market their services; The exhibition shall be for information purposes only, for the benefit of the participants to the conference.

• 7. Can the exhibition booth be equipped with an electronic display?

Yes. In the application form, exhibitors have the option to include items, such as projector or digital monitor, under technical requirements. Exhibitors need to arrange these additional items through the CICG, please see FAQ#2 above. 

• 8. When is the deadline for confirming a space and ordering additional items?

6 October 2023

• 9. Would the booths need to be fully set up for the whole time each day of the Exhibition period?

Yes. While it is expected that majority of the participants will be arriving on the first two days of the Conference, visitors and guests are expected to turn up during the week and they would benefit from the information and materials provided by the exhibitors.

• 10. How soon can exhibitors send their exhibit items to CICG?

Exhibitors can ship their exhibit items 1 week before October 28th. Please coordinate with CICG on when the items will be arriving and be sure to provide a description of the items, including volume. For more information, please check CICG's Exhibitor's Guide 2021.

• 11. Will there be United Nations security present during the day, and/or a space manager that exhibitors could notify should they need to leave the booth unattended for a short period of time?

United Nations Security will be present during the day. However, their task is overall security for the participants and attendees. It is the exhibitors’ responsibility to take care of their respective booths. For a short period of time, a request can be placed to the space manager or fellow exhibitors to watch over the booth.

For more information, please see Information Note for Exhibitors.

Monday 30 October - morning session

Ceremonial Opening 

• Ms. Katrin Schneeberger, State Secretary, Director of the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications, Switzerland
• Ms. Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme
• Ms. Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention
• Ms. Claudia-Sorina Dumitru, President of the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties

Item 1: Opening of the meeting [statements expected]

Item 2(b): Organization of work

Item 2(c): Election of officers

Item 2(d): Report on the credentials

Item 3: Rules of Procedure

Item 4(l): Financial rules

 

Monday 30 October - afternoon session

Item 4 (g) (i): Global Environment Facility

Item 4 (g) (ii): Specific International Programme to Support Capacity-Building and Technical Assistance

Item 4 (g) (iii): Review of the financial mechanism

Item 4 (h): Capacity-building, technical assistance and technology transfer

Item 4 (c): Artisanal and small-scale gold mining
 

Tuesday 31 October - morning session

Item 4 (c): Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (cont.)

Item 6: Programme of work and budget

Item 4 (j): National reporting

Item 4 (i): Implementation and Compliance Committee

 

Tuesday 31 October - afternoon session

Item 2 (f): Mercury waste: consideration of the relevant thresholds

Item 2 (k): Effectiveness evaluation

Item 4 (a): Mercury supply sources and trade

Item 4 (d): Emissions of mercury

 

Wednesday 1 November - morning session

Item 4 (h): Capacity building, technical assistance and technology transfer​

Item 4 (e): Releases​

Item 4 (m): Gender​

Item 4 (n): Knowledge management​

Item 4 (o): Mercury and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework​

 

Wednesday 1 November - afternoon session

Item 5: International cooperation and coordination

Item 4 (g)(iii): Review of the financial mechanism​ (cont.)

Reopening of other agenda items​
 

Thursday 2 November - morning session

Item 2 (d): Credentials 

Item 4 (o): Mercury and Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Item 4 (k): Effectiveness evaluation

Item 4 (c): Artisanal and small-scale gold mining

Item 4 (a): Mercury supply sources and trade

 

Thursday 2 November - afternoon session

Item 4 (a): Mercury supply sources and trade (cont)

 

Friday 3 November - morning session

Item 2 (c): Election of officers

Item 4 (b): Mercury-added products and manufacturing processes: Amendments to annexes A and B

Item 4 (a): Mercury supply sources and trade

Item 4 (j): National reporting

 

Friday 3 November - afternoon session

Item 4 (f): Mercury waste: consideration of the relevant thresholds

Item 6: Programme of work and budget

Item 7: Venue and dates of the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties

Item 8: Other matters

Item 9: Adoption of the report of the meeting

Item 10: Closure of the meeting