During the fifteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention (OEWG-15), side events will be held during lunch breaks and, subject to the final meeting schedule, in the evenings on major issues related to the implementation of the Basel Convention.
Side events provide a platform for Parties (including subsidiary bodies) and observers to share knowledge, build capacity, network and exchange experiences related to the implementation of the Convention. They also contribute to discussions on specific issues under consideration at OEWG-15.
For detailed information on the organization of side events, please refer to the Guidance for side event organizers.
Applications
Opportunities to hold side events of 60 minutes are available during lunch breaks and in the evenings of the meeting.
Side events are held in person, with the possibility of online participation for panelists and attendees.
Applications for side events may be submitted by Parties (including subsidiary bodies) and observers. Side event organizers must be duly registered for and participate in the fifteenth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention (OEWG-15), to be held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 23 to 26 June 2026.
Applications must be submitted through the online application form by Thursday, 30 April 2026.
During the selection process, priority will be given to applications that:
- Demonstrate links with the objectives of the Basel Convention and the agenda items of OEWG-15
- Are submitted by multiple organizers *
- Include a panel that takes into consideration gender and geographical balance
* Each Party or observer may submit a maximum of one application as the sole organizer. Applications submitted by multiple organizers must designate one lead organizer who will serve as the focal point for communication with the Secretariat.
If the number of requests exceeds the available slots, applicants may be invited to organize joint side events. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Technical information
Side event rooms are equipped with a computer, projector, screen, internet access and microphones.
Side events may be held in hybrid format, allowing participation by online panelists and attendees. Organizers are responsible for providing and managing the online platform at their own cost.
A note with instructions on the use of the equipment in the side event room, including for hybrid events, will be sent to selected organizers following the side event selection.
For additional information on technical arrangements and organizational requirements, please refer to the Guidance for side event organizers.
Important note
The Secretariat reserves the right to reschedule or cancel side events at any time in the interest of the negotiating process and the overall management of the meeting.
Contact
For questions regarding OEWG-15 side events, please contact Ms. Yunfang Hu (Yunfang.hu@un.org).