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.
Secretary-General's statements
The Secretariat expresses its heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka for the loss of lives and many injuries following the bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels today.
The Secretariat is in contact with the Sri Lankan Government and is monitoring the situation closely.
The security implications for CoP18 are being evaluated. Further information will be provided as soon as possible and in the meantime the Secretariat thanks Parties and observers for their patience and understanding. The Secretariat is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the conference and all participants.
Ivonne Higuero
CITES Secretary-General
21 April 2019
The Secretariat expresses its heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka for the loss of lives and many injuries following the bomb blasts that struck churches and hotels today.
The Secretariat is in contact with the Sri Lankan Government and is monitoring the situation closely.
The security implications for CoP18 are being evaluated. Further information will be provided as soon as possible and in the meantime the Secretariat thanks Parties and observers for their patience and understanding. The Secretariat is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the conference and all participants.
Ivonne Higuero
CITES Secretary-General
21 April 2019
Remarks at the event to celebrate the second anniversary
of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online
Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General
2 March 2020, New York, USA
I am grateful for the invitation to join you this evening as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. I see this anniversary as an important part of the celebrations of World Wildlife Day 2020 this week with the theme “Sustaining all Life on Earth”.
Remarks at the event to celebrate the second anniversary
of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online
Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General
2 March 2020, New York, USA
I am grateful for the invitation to join you this evening as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. I see this anniversary as an important part of the celebrations of World Wildlife Day 2020 this week with the theme “Sustaining all Life on Earth”.
Opening remarks at the high-level event at UN Headquarters marking World Wildlife Day 2020
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
3 March 2020, UN Headqurters, New York
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Friends and colleagues:
I am honoured to welcome you all as one of the hosts of the 2020 UN World Wildlife Day celebrations. Thank you for taking the time to join us in celebrating the wildlife with which we share this planet.
Opening remarks at the high-level event at UN Headquarters marking World Wildlife Day 2020
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
3 March 2020, UN Headqurters, New York
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Friends and colleagues:
I am honoured to welcome you all as one of the hosts of the 2020 UN World Wildlife Day celebrations. Thank you for taking the time to join us in celebrating the wildlife with which we share this planet.
Opening remarks at the high-level event at UN Headquarters marking World Wildlife Day 2020
CITES Secretary-General Ivonne Higuero
3 March 2020, UN Headqurters, New York
Excellencies,
Distinguished guests,
Friends and colleagues:
I am honoured to welcome you all as one of the hosts of the 2020 UN World Wildlife Day celebrations. Thank you for taking the time to join us in celebrating the wildlife with which we share this planet.
Remarks at the event to celebrate the second anniversary
of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online
Ivonne Higuero, CITES Secretary-General
2 March 2020, New York, USA
I am grateful for the invitation to join you this evening as we celebrate the two-year anniversary of the Coalition to End Wildlife Trafficking Online. I see this anniversary as an important part of the celebrations of World Wildlife Day 2020 this week with the theme “Sustaining all Life on Earth”.
Joint Statement of the Liaison Group of Biodiversity-related Conventions to CMS COP 13
17 February 2020, Ghandhinagar, India
Thank you Chair.
Distinguished delegates: