Secretary-General's statements

We share our planet with millions of species of wild animals and plants. We drink the same water as they do, enjoy (or survive) the same weather, and breathe the same air. Every year on World Environment Day, we acknowledge the need to protect our natural environment for the benefit of humankind. But let us at the same time also remember how our actions affect other species and the ecosystems that they create.

I wish to inform Parties and interested stakeholders about the latest developments for CITES CoP18 that was scheduled to be held from 23 May to 3 June 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the postponement as announced on 26 April via Notification to the Parties No. 2019/025. The Government of Sri Lanka has proposed alternative dates for CoP18 in Colombo of 1-13 September 2019. In line with United Nations practices, the Secretariat is, therefore, working with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) to assess the security situation on the ground with Sri Lankan colleagues, UNDSS officials and the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the country. We expect the assessment at the end of May 2019.

The Secretariat regrets to announce that the 18th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP18), originally scheduled to take place from 23 May to 3 June in Colombo, Sri Lanka, as well as the associated 71st and 72nd meetings of the Standing Committee, are being postponed. This decision has been taken out of respect for the victims of the recent attacks and the recognition by the Standing Committee, the Secretariat and the United Nations Department of Safety and Security of the time needed for the Government of Sri Lanka to address the current situation in the country.

21 March 2019, Chiang Mai, Thailand Honorable Minister General Surasak Karnjanarat, distinguished delegates from ASEAN member States, Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, It is an honour and a privilege to join you at this very timely Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Illegal Wildlife Trade. Thank you for your invitation, Excellency, and I take this opportunity to congratulate Thailand as the 2019 Chair of ASEAN. You have put in place excellent arrangements for this meeting, last night was spectacular, and we at the Secretariat are fortunate to have experienced the generosity of Thailand, as hosts for two of our Conference of the Parties. As you know, wildlife crime poses a threat to the survival of some of the world’s most charismatic species and, equally, to many lesser-known species, often with devastating economic, social and environmental consequences.