The Earth's biosphere is a shared global heritage, making any local environmental degradation a matter of universal concern. Consequently, the fight against harmful emissions, pollution, and ecosystem decline must be pursued collectively, as these challenges affect humanity as a whole without borders.

In response to this shared imperative, numerous international organizations and frameworks have emerged. However, their operations remain largely fragmented and disconnected, contributing to an escalating global crisis. Isolated local actions, while valuable, fall short of delivering comprehensive solutions to interconnected planetary threats.

Within the United Nations system, intergovernmental processes have been established through multilateral treaties, i.e. conventions, to address these concerns. Yet, these instruments continue to function in silos, hindering full and effective resolution of issues of global significance and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced SYNERGIES across their processes.

To articulate the perspectives of Armenia's public and private sectors on this matter and coordinate concrete steps forward, the Kotayk Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Armenia, convened a dedicated conference on February 28 at ArmCCI. The event brought together experts, specialists, and representatives from diverse organizations.

The Armenian and international contexts were presented by Aram Gabrielyan, an expert from “Khazer” Ecological and Cultural NGO, and Masis Sargsyan, a member of the Kotayk Chamber of Commerce and Industry Board. They highlighted the pivotal role of chambers of commerce and industry worldwide, including Armenia's, which possess the broadest networks, capabilities, and expertise to engage directly in Rio Conventions (the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)) programs, mobilize local and international business communities, and foster coordinated participation.

Discussions focused on practical approaches to creating synergies among the three Conventions, emphasizing partnerships between chambers of commerce, civil society, and public institutions. Presentations and interventions were delivered by specialists on the Conventions, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and the representative of the Climate Action Network regional node (CAN EECCA). Key priorities identified included mobilizing local and international partners of the RA Chambers of Commerce and Industry, strengthening cooperation with foreign representations, coordinating project activities to embed synergies, introducing certification and assessment mechanisms (assessment-declaration-certification), and addressing related organizational needs.

Following lively and substantive discussions, the conference adopted a resolution affirming that implementation of global environmental goals and provisions remains ineffective due to the fragmented treatment of inherently interrelated issues. It is therefore essential to develop a unifying doctrine to establish a coherent platform for integrated action.

Recognizing that the ultimate beneficiaries of the Conventions are citizens who, as taxpayers, bear the final financing burden, the emerging doctrine must incorporate robust mechanisms for universal financing and co-financing. Equity will be upheld through faithful application of the "polluter pays" principle.

Ahead of COP17 in October in Yerevan, it is expedient to clarify and specify the tasks, prospects, and pathways for synergies, along with the pivotal role and contributions of the Republic of Armenia Chambers of Commerce and Industry therein.