Post-CBD COP17 Alumni Gathering in Armenia

31 October–3 November 2026, Armenia

CIPSEM invites alumni from Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and neighboring countries, as well as CIPSEM alumni attending the UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP17), to connect after the conference.

The gathering will combine regional peer consultation, cross-cohort networking, reflection on CBD COP17, and a public exchange event in Yerevan. It will create space for alumni to share professional experience, discuss practical challenges, and develop new ideas for cooperation across countries, sectors, and course cohorts.

Objectives

The gathering aims to:

• Strengthen professional exchange and networking among CIPSEM alumni in Armenia, Georgia, Iran, and the wider region.

• Support alumni in reflecting on relevant outcomes of the CBD COP17 and connecting them to their professional contexts.

• Develop practical ideas and responses to regional environmental challenges through peer consultation and collaborative learning.

• Create new connections and potential cooperation across alumni cohorts, institutions, and fields of work.

• Introduce the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUKN course program and related learning and exchange opportunities during the public university event in Yerevan.

Who can participate?

The gathering is open to two groups:

• CIPSEM alumni who are attending CBD COP17 as delegates or observers.

• CIPSEM alumni based in Armenia, Georgia, Iran, or nearby locations with reasonably accessible travel to Yerevan.

The core peer-consultation program is designed for approximately 20 participants. CIPSEM can provide overnight accommodation for this core group.

Additional alumni may be able to attend the public panel discussion in Yerevan on 2 November and selected networking activities. Further information about these participation options will be provided later.

Program at a glance

Saturday, 31 October: Arrival and informal networking

The gathering begins with an informal networking evening for alumni attending CBD COP17 and alumni from the region. The program will include time to get to know one another, exchange experiences, and connect across cohorts.

Participants in the core program will travel from Yerevan to the Dilijan area.

Sunday, 1 November: Peer consultation and regional exchange

The first full workshop day will focus on regional peer consultation and deeper networking. Approximately 20 alumni will work in moderated small groups on professional challenges submitted in advance.

The sessions will use elements of CIPSEM’s Navigating Uncertainty dialogue model, which supports inclusive, collaborative reflection on complex sustainability challenges. Participants’ own professional contexts, cases, and questions will guide the thematic focus.

Challenges may relate to biodiversity, environmental management, sustainability, or other topics relevant to participants’ work. The sessions will support the exchange of regional experience, practical problem-solving, and the development of initial joint ideas.

Monday, 2 November: CBD COP17 reflection and public university event

Participants will travel from the Dilijan area to Yerevan for a day of interactive exchange on CBD COP17 and its relevance to professional practice in the region.

A public panel discussion, planned in cooperation with an Armenian university, will bring together CIPSEM alumni from different cohorts, students, and invited guests. Alumni will reflect on conference outcomes, share perspectives from their countries and fields of work, and discuss practical and innovative approaches to biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental management.

The university event will also provide an opportunity to introduce the UNEP/UNESCO/BMUKN course program and other relevant learning, networking, and professional-development opportunities.

The official program concludes following the public event in Yerevan. Participants should plan their onward travel for the evening of 2 November, where possible.

Individual departures

Where an onward journey on 2 November is not feasible, individual departure arrangements will be communicated directly to the relevant participants.

What CIPSEM will cover

For selected participants in the core peer-consultation program, CIPSEM plans to cover:

• Accommodation during the official gathering program.

• Meals and catering are included in the official program.

• Shared transfers from Yerevan to the Dilijan area and from the Dilijan area back to Yerevan.

• Participation in the program activities.

For regional alumni traveling from Armenia, Georgia, Iran, or other nearby locations, CIPSEM hopes to provide a limited contribution towards travel to Yerevan. The exact arrangement will depend on available funds and will be communicated during the application and selection process.

What CIPSEM cannot cover

CIPSEM cannot fund participation in CBD COP17 itself. This includes:

• COP17 registration or accreditation.

• Travel to CBD COP17.

• Accommodation during the COP17 period.

Alumni attending CBD COP17 as delegates or observers must independently organize and finance their COP-related travel and accommodation.

Registration and selection

Interested alumni can register their interest, indicate their preferred participation option, and submit a short description of a professional challenge or case they would like to discuss with fellow alumni.

Register here by 09 August 2026.

If more than 20 alumni apply for the core peer-consultation program, selection will be based on:

• The relevance of the proposed challenge or topic.

• Relevant professional experience.

• Motivation to contribute actively to the group.

• Expected contribution to peer learning and regional exchange.

Further information

Detailed information on the final program, meeting points, accommodation, transfers, and participation arrangements will be shared with selected participants.

For questions regarding the application process or the Post-CBD COP17 Alumni Gathering in Armenia, please contact us at .

Please note that the CIPSEM team will be on leave until July 28. Questions will be answered from July 29, 2026, onward.

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