Minamata COP-6 Briefings Held

In preparation for the sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the Convention Secretariat held two online briefing sessions on 26 and 27 August 2025. These sessions were designed to equip Parties, observers, and stakeholders with a deep understanding of the official COP-6 documents ahead of the in-person negotiations in Geneva, 3–7 November 2025.

Overview of COP-6 Document Briefings

The briefings formed part of the Minamata Online Series, offering a structured walkthrough of key procedural and substantive documents, including:

Day 1 Highlights – 26 August 2025

• Provisional Agenda & Annotated Notes: Detailed walkthrough of the COP-6 meeting agenda.
• Mercury Supply and Trade: Initial discussion on technical and policy matters concerning mercury flows and trade frameworks.
• Preparation Guidance: Ensured that Parties and observers were aligned with the structure and purpose of background documents.

Day 2 Highlights – 27 August 2025

• Technical Annexes & Background Papers: Presentation of documents not covered on Day 1, including scientific data and implementation guidelines.

• Procedural and Draft Decisions: Clarified upcoming votes, resolutions, and operational rules that will shape COP-6 outcomes.

• Engagement Support: Helped stakeholders prepare position statements and coordinate internally ahead of negotiations.

• Wider Context: Upcoming Sessions in the Minamata Online Series

In addition to the August briefings, the following preparatory sessions will further support participants:

Purpose and Importance

The briefings serve to:

✅ Ensure Transparency: All stakeholders gain equal access to technical, legal, and procedural information.
✅ Support Dialogue: Informed participants will help foster a constructive and coordinated approach to negotiations.
✅ Strengthen Readiness: Governments and observers can prepare policy positions in advance, increasing efficiency at COP-6.

COP-6 Conference Details

• Dates: 3–7 November 2025
• Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Focus Areas: Mercury supply and trade, ASGM practices, waste management, and 2026–2027 budgeting.

Next Steps for Participants

📖 Review Briefing Materials: Access documentation on the Minamata Convention website.
🗣️ Join Upcoming Online Sessions: Engage in discussions and refine negotiation strategies.
🧾 Prepare Submissions: Align internal positions with emerging consensus documents.

References:

i. Day 1 Briefing Session – COP-6 Documents
ii. Day 2 Briefing Session – COP-6 Documents