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Chemin des Anémones 11
The United Nations World Wildlife Day 2026 (WWD2026) VIRTUAL Celebration taking place on 3 March 2026, 13:30 - 15:30 (CET/Central European Time) will feature stories and presentations about the sustainable use and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants by Member State experts, high-level representatives of international organisations, industry stakeholders, local community leaders and youth network members.
Interpretation in English, French and Spanish available on Webex: https://ungeneva.webex.com/weblink/re...
Moderated by Ms Ivonne Higuero, Secretary-General, CITES
High-level Opening Speakers:
- Mr Kristopher Blake, Chair, CITES Standing Committee, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- H.E. Mrs Francisca Méndez Escobar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of México to the United Nations, Geneva
- Ms Inger Andersen, Executive Director, UNEP
- Ms Francine Pickup, Deputy Assistant Administrator, UNDP
Musical Performance by Dr Helen Anahita Wilson, Wellcome Trust Research Fellow 2026-2029, King’s College London
2026 Endangered Species Stamps Launch by Ms Rorie Katz, United Nations Postal Administration
Lightning Talks on the Trade and Conservation of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants around the World
Moderated by Mr TING Wai Kit, Co-Founder, CITES Global Youth Network and Youth Executive, Mandai Nature
Speakers:
- Chamomile, Dr Rita Engel, Department of Botany in the University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest
- Frankincense, Dr Melesse Maryo, Associate Professor, Ethiopian Wildlife Authority
- Jatamansi, Ms Kalpana Sharma Dhakal, Scientific Officer Department of Plant Resources of Nepal
- Candelilla, Dr Tim Synnott, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Statements from the Floor by Member States by:
- H.E. Dr. Linkham Duangsavanh, Minister of Agriculture and Environment of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- H.E. Ms Irene Vélez Torres, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Colombia
- H.E. Lt. Gen. Bashir Mohamed Jama, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Somalia
- Ms Célia de Lavergne, Director of Water and Biodiversity, Ministry of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion of France
Jackson Wild 2026 Film Showcase Finalists Reveal by Ms Christie Quinn, Executive Director, Jackson Wild
Stakeholder Stories from the Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Value Chain
Moderated by Ms Anastasiya Timoshyna, Director of the European Programme Office, TRAFFIC and Co-Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission Medicinal Plant Specialist Group
Speakers:
- Ms Emma Willliams, CITES Policy Officer, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, United King of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Ms Neida Andi Arimuya, Kichwa Indigenous Spiritual Guide from the Amazonian Ecuador
- His Majesty MVONDO Bruno, the President of African Network of Traditional Leaders for Environmental Conservation and the Sustainable Management of Ecosystems and Forests, Cameroon
- Ms Elisa Aragon, Co-Founder, Nelixia, Paraguay
- Ms Jamie Horst, Chief Purpose Officer, Traditional Medicinals, United States of America
ifaw Youth Art Contest – Winners and Finalists Announcement by Mr Azzedine Downes, President and CEO, ifaw
Takeaway Messages from:
- Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN
- Mr Richard Scobey, Executive Director, TRAFFIC
Closing