By Alice Kammwamba member of the CBD Women’s caucus
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position or opinions of the CBD Women’s Caucus
From March 16-19 2026, Alice Kammwamba represented the CBD Women’s Caucus at the at the «Eighth meeting of the Ad Hoc Scientific and Technical Advisory Group for the Preparation of the Global Report on Collective Progress in the Implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework»
For the Caucus, this event was a vital opportunity to influence how the global report will assess progress, ensuring that the analysis includes a gender perspective, particularly concerning the differentiated impacts of biodiversity loss and the essential contributions of women, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities..
Our voices at the AHSTAG
This technical meeting convened the AHSTAG to provide crucial guidance on the methodologies for drafting the global report on collective progress. The discussions focused on analyzing national reports, addressing data gaps, and framing key conclusions.
The CBD Women Caucus representative was fully engaged in the technical discussions with a focus on integrating gender considerations. Key activities included:
- AHSTAG Subgroup Discussions: Members followed the work of the subgroups, such as focusing on Synthesis of non-prescriptive approaches for addressing challenges, gaps, and opportunities» and Provision of means of implementation among others. They provided input to ensure the sections recognize gender-responsive approaches and the importance of equitable resource allocation.
- Intervening in Plenary: During the agenda item on Approach to reporting collective progress, CBD women Caucus members intervened to highlight the need for the global report to include a specific analysis of how progress on targets such as those on sustainable use and spatial planning impacts non state actors including women and girls differently, and to showcase case studies where leadership has accelerated implementation. It also highlighted contributions under section C and its considerations.
- Advocating for Inclusive Data: Members emphasized the need to address data gaps by including qualitative, disaggregated data and traditional knowledge in the global report, particularly in the analysis of national reports and voluntary commitments as well as contributions from non state actors.
Outcomes and nexts steps
The AHSTAG meeting successfully provided the necessary guidance for the Secretariat to finalize the global report. The CBD women Caucus consistent advocacy contributed to a broader recognition among members of the importance of an inclusive analysis. The next steps involve:
- Tracking the Draft Global Report: The Caucus will continue to monitor the drafting process to ensure that the guidance on including gender perspectives is reflected in the final version.
- Preparing for the Kunming Dialogue: The outcomes of this meeting will feed into the «Kunming Dialogue on the Global Review of Collective Progress» in September 2026. The CBD women Caucus will also participate in this crucial dialogue, ensuring that women’s voices and priorities are at the forefront of the informal technical discussions.
- Building Capacity for COP 17: The CBD Women Caucus will use the information from the AHSTAG meeting to prepare its members for the formal global review at COP 17 in October 2026, with the goal of securing strong gender-responsive language in the final decisions.