24 September 2015 - New York: Special High-level Event to foster entry into force and implementation of the Minamata Convention

On 24 September 2015, from 1.15 pm to 2.30 pm, a Special High-Level Event "The Minamata Convention on Mercury: Promoting environmental protection through early entry into force and effective implementation" will be convened at the UN Headquarters in New York (Conference Room 6), in the margins of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly and on the eve of the UN summit for the adoption of the post-2015 development agenda.

Co-hosted by the Governments of Japan where the Minamata Convention was adopted, Switzerland, where the negotiations concluded and the first COP will be held, the United States of America, the first country to ratify the Convention and Uruguay, who chaired the negotiations process, this Special High-Level Event will provide important momentum to accelerate the entry into force and implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

The Special High-Level Event will include a ceremony for the deposit of the instruments of ratification, acceptance, approval, or accession by Member States as well as an opportunity for speeches and exchange of views among high-level representatives moderated by the Executive Director of UNEP.

Wide participation from Government representatives is encouraged.  The official correspondence may be found below. The event will also be open to non-governmental participation.

The Special High-Level Event will take place immediately before the 2015 Treaty Event convened from 28 September to 1 October 2015 to provide states with an opportunity to fulfil pledges made in national and international forums to sign on to sign and, particularly, to ratify or accede to multilateral treaties deposited with the Secretary-General.

To register or receive further information, please contact the Interim Secretariat of the Minamata Convention here.