Canada is preparing to bring its climate and conservation priorities to two major United Nations conferences, with a focus on biodiversity protection, Indigenous leadership, climate resilience and mobilizing investment for environmental action.
The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, will serve as Canada’s Head of Delegation at both the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) and the 31st meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).
The two conferences will give Canada an opportunity to advance international cooperation on the closely connected challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss while highlighting domestic investments in conservation, clean energy and ocean protection.
“Climate change and biodiversity loss are global challenges that no country can solve alone. At COP17 and COP31, Canada will work with partners from around the world to strengthen implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Paris Agreement and collective efforts to address nature protection and climate change. Through international cooperation, Indigenous leadership, innovative solutions, and a collective commitment to conservation and climate action, we will build a sustainable future for people and nature alike,” said the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.
Biodiversity Takes Centre Stage at COP17
Canada’s first stop will be Yerevan, Armenia, where COP17 will take place from October 19 to 30, 2026.
Dabrusin and the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature), will work with international partners to accelerate implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework. Canada will emphasize the role of Indigenous peoples in conservation while advocating for practical approaches to mobilizing global resources for biodiversity finance.
Canada will also lead two official side events examining innovative nature finance and Indigenous leadership in conservation. The Canadian delegation will participate in bilateral meetings, high-level roundtables and civil society events aimed at strengthening cooperation and advancing efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
“Nature loss is a global challenge that requires countries to work together and turn shared commitments into action. At COP17, Canada will share its experiences in advancing nature finance, including innovative approaches to valuing natural capital and mobilizing private investment for conservation. By exchanging ideas, lessons learned, and practical solutions with international partners, we can accelerate progress toward our global biodiversity goals and recognize nature as a foundation of long-term economic prosperity and resilience,” stated the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature).
Climate Action Moves to COP31
Attention will then shift to Antalya, Türkiye, where COP31 will run from November 9 to 20, 2026.
Building on previous multilateral engagements, including the 10th Ministerial on Climate Action, Canada will work with international partners, Indigenous representatives, civil society, youth and other stakeholders on priorities that include strengthening vulnerable communities, reducing methane emissions, accelerating electrification and mobilizing public and private investment.
For the fifth consecutive year, Canada will host a national pavilion at the climate conference, providing a venue to showcase Canadian climate leadership and innovation while supporting international collaboration.
The country will arrive at the two conferences pointing to significant domestic investments. Canada is advancing major clean energy projects, including the Churchill Falls investment, described by the government as the largest clean energy investment in North American history.
Through A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature and $3.8 billion in investments and funding, Canada is also pursuing its commitment to conserve 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030. Canada recently joined the 30×30 for Nature and People Ministerial Declaration at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has also announced a $1.2 billion investment in ocean protection designed to increase monitoring, strengthen ocean science and ecosystem protections, and improve marine incident prevention and preparedness.
Delegations to COP17 and COP31 will include Indigenous representatives, civil society, private-sector participants, youth, and representatives from provincial and territorial governments. Together, they will bring Canadian perspectives to negotiations focused on translating international climate and biodiversity commitments into practical action.
