SGI participated in the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP16), which took place in Cali, Colombia, from 21 October to 3 November 2024, where delegates gathered under the theme "Peace with Nature" to advance global biodiversity protection efforts. SGI also joined the preparatory meetings (SBI5) and the Global Youth Summit from 16–20 October 2024.

The conference marked several significant developments, including the establishment of a permanent subsidiary body for Indigenous Peoples and the adoption of the Article 8(j) work program. Additionally, the agreement that 50% of the new Cali Fund will support Indigenous Peoples and local communities represents a strong step toward inclusive, rights-based approaches to conservation.

Throughout the conference, SGI actively participated in both youth and faith-based initiatives. "One of the most inspiring aspects of this COP has been supporting youth advocacy priorities in the negotiations and helping to draft our collective statements," said Flore Ghetti, SGI representative and member of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network. "We're working to ensure that biodiversity protection takes a human rights-based approach, recognizing that the health of nature and human well-being are deeply interconnected."

The conference also saw unprecedented engagement from faith communities at COP16 and the launch of a groundbreaking report that showcases faith groups' implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, including the work of the Soka Amazon Institute in Manaus, Brazil, which has led ecosystem restoration and environmental education initiatives.

While progress was made in several areas at COP16, including marine and coastal biodiversity protection and increased recognition of synergies between biodiversity and climate action, serious concerns remain about ambition levels. Key decisions on finance and monitoring frameworks were not adopted, and crucial gaps in funding remain unresolved.

"While we strongly welcome several key outcomes for Indigenous Peoples and local communities at COP16, we also worry about a broader pattern of resistance to incorporating comprehensive human rights language across different areas of negotiation. Sustainable environmental outcomes cannot be achieved without respecting and upholding human rights,” said SGI representative Alexandra Goossens-Ishii.

Against this backdrop, SGI, together with BESNet, SwedBio, CDKN and Focali, with the support of the CBD Secretariat and the UN Human Rights Office, organized a pre-COP16 multi-actor dialogue to explore further the role of rights-based approaches. This gathering brought together representatives from state parties, Indigenous Peoples, local communities, researchers, practitioners, women and youth groups, resulting in a call to action process for advancing a human rights-based approach in biodiversity and climate action.

The message from COP16 is clear: Achieving peace with nature requires a whole-of-society approach that upholds human rights and ensures inclusive participation in biodiversity protection efforts.