Business calls on COP17 to turn nature pledges into clear policies and investable action

Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

On behalf of the International Chamber of Commerce’s global network of over 45 million companies in 170 countries, I thank the Government of Armenia and the CBD Secretariat for the excellent organisation of this conference.

Businesses increasingly recognise, and are starting to integrate, nature loss as a material economic risk. But action at scale requires clear policy signals, credible implementation pathways and investable outcomes.

At COP17, we urge Parties to prioritise moving from commitments to action, and to set clear, actionable national biodiversity strategies and coherent policies to build confidence for long term action.

National implementation plans should integrate business feedback and action from the outset, and provide practical guidance and clarity on nature metrics, disclosures, nature-positive supply chains and innovation.

To mobilise finance, COP17 should set conditions to scale public and private investment by de-risking nature investments, strengthening market integrity, aligning incentives with measurable nature-positive outcomes, and addressing regulatory barriers.

Recognising the value that nature brings as a source for innovation, business will continue to work with Parties and stakeholders towards a workable multilateral benefit sharing mechanism that contributes meaningfully towards CBD goals.

Business is mobilising for a nature-positive future. We urge you to identify areas of convergence and deliver practical outcomes that build confidence, mobilise collective action and accelerate progress towards halting and reversing nature loss. 

Thank you.