IWG on the Future Strategic Framework

Establishment of the IWG FSF

At its sixteenth session, the Conference of the Parties (COP) established the Intergovernmental Working Group on the Future Strategic Framework (IWG FSF) under the COP Bureau (decision 4/COP.16). This 20-member group includes fifteen regional representatives (three representatives from each regional group) and five technical expert members—including three independent scientists, one member from a civil society organization and one member from an intergovernmental organization. 

Drawing on lessons from the 2018–2030 framework, midterm evaluations, drought-related outcomes and COP decisions, the IWG FSF is tasked with developing the key elements of a post-2030 strategic framework, potentially including goals and targets. The group is expected to deliver an interim report by December 2025 and a final report at COP 17 in August 2026. 

Nomination process

Following the approval of its terms of reference, steps were undertaken by the secretariat to reach different stakeholder groups and disseminate information on the process of nominations for the IWG FSF. As decided by the COP, members of the IWG FSF are to be selected no later than two months after the approval of the group's TOR Bureau, following its approval by the COP Bureau on 27 April 2025. To facilitate nominations for the members from UN groups, notifications and emails were sent to National Focal Points (NFPs) and Science and Technology Correspondents (STCs) on 09 May 2025. For the selection of independent scientists, an open call was launched on 19 May 2025. 

However, this initial call was withdrawn to provide clearer guidance on the application process. Accordingly, a new call for expression of interest for independent scientists was launched on 5 June 2025, with a deadline for submission set for 13 June 2025. Accredited CSOs were notified through an open call as well, that was launched on 15 May 2025. The secretariat followed past precedent for the nomination of one UN agency or IGO of the IWG, reaching out to the most relevant organizations to express their interest in participating in the IWG FSF. 

What’s next

The IWG FSF members are expected to hold their first meeting late summer 2025, to start their discussions and prepare for an interim report that will be presented in CRIC23 in Panama on 1-5 December 2025.  

To launch the work, the secretariat is preparing a scoping paper for the group’s first meeting that will inform initial discussions and help shape the post-2030 strategic framework. The scoping paper will include: 

• options for setting goals and targets for the new framework 

• a section reviewing funding opportunities and challenges under the current framework 

Additionally, an initial assessment of the current indicators will be prepared by the Secretariat to inform the initial discussions of the working group. This assessment will be undertaken with the aim of making the current indicators more responsive to the needs of a post-2030 strategic framework of the Convention, while ensuring that any future methodologies remain feasible, easy to understand, and within the implementation capacities of the Parties.