Presidential Aide, Special Presidential Representative on Climate Issues and Water Resources Ruslan Edelgeriyev chaired the second meeting of an expert group on Russia’s participation in the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in countries affected by severe drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa (UNCCD). He also chaired the fourth meeting of the expert working group on biodiversity and Russia’s participation in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which operates within the Presidential Executive Office’s interdepartmental working group on matters dealing with climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The expert groups discussed preparations for the Russian delegation’s participation in the UNCCD’s 17th session (COP17), which is scheduled to take place in Ulaanbaatar in August 2026, as well as the 17th meeting of the CBD Conference of the Parties, expected to be held in Yerevan in October 2026. In particular, the meetings resulted in instructions to set up pavilions and hold events aimed at demonstrating Russia’s potential and attracting investment, as well as engaging with businesses so that they can contribute to these negotiating platforms.
In addition, the agenda of these meetings included performance reports on Russia’s compliance with its international commitments under these conventions.