Integrated approaches to climate, biodiversity, and land degradation challenges were at the center of the panel discussion “Advancing Synergies across Rio Conventions,” held within the framework of the Yerevan Dialogue 2026. The session brought together policymakers and experts to explore ways of strengthening coordination across major international environmental frameworks.
The discussion was moderated by Françoise Jacob, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Armenia, and featured Aram Meymaryan, Deputy Minister of Environment of Armenia, Kaveh Zahedi, Assistant Director-General and Director of the Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment of the Food and Agriculture Organization, Erik Grigoryan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Environment Group of Armenia, and Luísa Braga Bianchet, Energy Transition Diplomacy Analyst of the E+ Energy Transition Institute of Brazil.
Participants examined the importance of strengthening coordination among the three major international environmental agreements — the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification — while emphasizing the interconnected nature of climate change, biodiversity loss, and land degradation.
Particular attention was devoted to identifying cross-sectoral priorities and enhancing cooperation among governments, international organizations, and non-governmental stakeholders. Participants discussed the importance of coordinated policy frameworks and shared implementation mechanisms in responding to interconnected environmental challenges.
The discussion underscored that effectively addressing global environmental crises requires integrated action, stronger collaboration, and greater alignment across international frameworks in order to achieve sustainable and long-term outcomes.
