IPBES12 – 12th Session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is an independent intergovernmental body established by States to strengthen the science-policy interface for biodiversity and ecosystem services for the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity, long-term human well-being and sustainable development. It was established in Panama City, on 21 April 2012 by 94 Governments.  It is not a United Nations body.  However, at the request of the IPBES Plenary and with the authorization of the UNEP Governing Council in 2013, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services to IPBES.  See here for more information on the history of IPBES.

The twelfth session of the Plenary of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (#IPBES12) will be hosted by the Government of the United Kingdom  at the Manchester Central Convention Complex in Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, from 3 to 8 February 2026 (Click to view on Google Maps).

The session will open on Tuesday, 3 February 2026, at 9.30 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) (UTC+00:00) and close on Sunday, 8 February 2026, at 6 p.m. Daily sessions will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Additional meetings may take place in contact groups and in regional groupings.

Regional consultations and a Stakeholder Day are planned to be organized on Monday, 2 February 2026. A daily schedule will be made available on https://www.ipbes.net/events/ipbes-12/schedule  and the Event App closer to the event for specific time and room allocation information.