Organized by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), this online conference aims to continue the exchange of views and synthesis of information and experiences regarding socio-economic considerations arising from the impact of living modified organisms (LMOs) on the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, especially with regard to the value of biological diversity to indigenous and local communities.

At the Global Land Forum meeting held in Antigua, Guatemala from 23-27 April 2013, members of the International Land Coalition (ILC) agreed to a series of commitments in the 'Antigua Declaration' related to securing tenure for responsible land governance.

The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) launched the 1-15 May issue of the Tropical Timber Market (TTM) Report highlighting stories on reductions in timber consumer confidence in Japan as well as a drop in US home builder confidence despite increases in housing starts.

The Adaptation Fund is calling for public comments on concepts and proposals from seven countries in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The project concepts and proposals will be considered at the 21st meeting of the Adaptation Fund Board (AFB) to be held in Bonn, Germany, from 1-4 July 2013. Comments on the concepts and proposals are open until 26 May 2013.

The UNFCCC Secretariat has released a report that synthesizes the views presented by parties and organizations on experiences with the application of the guidelines for the national adaptation plan (NAP) process in the Least Developed Country (LDCs) parties (FCCC/SBI/2013/9).

The UNFCCC Secretariat has released a report submitted by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) (FCCC/CP/2013/INF.8) containing information on the resource status approved for non-Annex I Parties to prepare biennial update reports (BUR).

Participants at the Third Global Meeting of the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding (IDPS) have issued 'The Washington Communique,' appealing to the UN High-level Panel on the Post-2015 Development Agenda (HLP) to tackle conflict and fragility.

The WTO General Council approved the appointment of Ambassador Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo (Brazil) as the next Director-General of the WTO.

The Russian Federation has set as the objective of its 2013 Presidency of the Group of 20 (G20): developing a set of measures aimed at boosting sustainable, inclusive and balanced growth and jobs creation around the world.

The SEED Initiative has launched its 2013 SEED Awards, calling for entries from start-up entrepreneurs that aim to generate environmental, social and economic benefits at the local level, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, in developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs), or emerging economies.