Updated Call for Knowledge Lab Proposals

The Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is offering further opportunities for knowledge and information sharing at the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) through unique sessions called Knowledge Labs. These sessions were announced on 22 May 2023, and this note provides additional details of the sessions. 

Knowledge Labs provide an opportunity for organizers to engage with COP-5 participants and showcase their work in an open space set-up through a 45-minute poster session. The call for applications is addressed to Parties and major groups and stakeholders registered for COP-5 and organizations approved to participate in the previous meetings of the Conference of the Parties. The deadline to submit applications is on Friday, 25 August 2023.

Format: The Knowledge Labs are poster sessions conducted in an open space setting, allowing for informal and interactive discussions between presenters and participants. This format encourages active exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences.

Poster Session Options: Presenters will have the flexibility to choose between digital or printed poster presentations, which can include videos and other visual materials, based on their preferences and the nature of their work. Instructions on technical requirements and setup will be provided to accepted presenters. 

• Digital Posters and Video presentations: If you opt for a digital or video presentation, you will have access to a monitor or a screen to display your poster or video. Please ensure that your digital poster is well-designed and visually engaging. 
• Printed Posters: For those who prefer printed versions, portable exhibit boards will be available for displaying your posters. Please ensure that your posters are clear, concise, and visually appealing. You will be responsible for setting up and dismantling your printed posters.

* The use of the term “poster presentation” includes print, digital, video, and other presentation formats.

Applications

The call is addressed to Parties, major groups and stakeholders registered for COP-5 or approved to participate in the previous meetings of the Conference of the Parties.

Please read the Guidelines for Organizers carefully.

Deadline: The deadline for proposal submission is 25 August 2023. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Process: Complete the information required and send to: Mea-MinamataSecretariat [at] un.org, with copy to richard.gutierrez [at] un.org (richard[dot]gutierrez[at]un[dot]org), and indicate in the subject line: COP-5 Knowledge Lab. Please attach your proposed poster or mock-up for review of concept: as a PDF/JPEG file. 

Review and Acceptance: All submitted posters will undergo a review process. Accepted presenters will be notified of their selection and provided with further instructions.