Overcome Without Nature": World Bank Representative on COP17 in Yerevan
16.10.2026,
15:40
Valérie Hickey, Global Director for Environment at the World Bank Group, has stated that poverty cannot be overcome without nature.
YEREVAN, October 16. /ARKA/. Valérie Hickey, Global Director for Environment at the World Bank Group, has stated that poverty cannot be overcome without nature.
"The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan will address the fulfillment of commitments to protect nature. Conserving nature is directly linked to poverty reduction, job creation, and human well-being. Ultimately, we understand that a world without poverty cannot exist if it is devoid of nature," Hickey noted while speaking at the opening of the Leaders' Summit in Yerevan on Friday an event held as part of COP17.
$9 Billion from the World Bank for Environmental Programs
According to Hickey, the World Bank allocated $9 billion last year toward programs focused on financing environmental initiatives.
"We were able to achieve this together with our partners. Nature is a driving force for job creation and the foundation of our well-being," the World Bank representative stated.
Workforce vs. Nature
Hickey also emphasized that natural resources and ecosystems play a vital role in the global economy and in providing employment.
She noted that approximately 40% of the global workforce depends on nature—a figure that reaches as high as 80% in many countries.
"In this context, the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources are significant not only for environmental protection but also for economic development, employment, and improving the well-being of the population. COP17 will serve as a platform to discuss international commitments and future actions toward biodiversity conservation," Hickey remarked.
About COP17
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will take place in Yerevan from October 19 to 30, 2026.
Participants will focus on issues such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, the mobilization of funding for nature conservation programs, and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
One of the key goals of this framework is to ensure the conservation of at least 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.
"The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan will address the fulfillment of commitments to protect nature. Conserving nature is directly linked to poverty reduction, job creation, and human well-being. Ultimately, we understand that a world without poverty cannot exist if it is devoid of nature," Hickey noted while speaking at the opening of the Leaders' Summit in Yerevan on Friday an event held as part of COP17.
$9 Billion from the World Bank for Environmental Programs
According to Hickey, the World Bank allocated $9 billion last year toward programs focused on financing environmental initiatives.
"We were able to achieve this together with our partners. Nature is a driving force for job creation and the foundation of our well-being," the World Bank representative stated.
Workforce vs. Nature
Hickey also emphasized that natural resources and ecosystems play a vital role in the global economy and in providing employment.
She noted that approximately 40% of the global workforce depends on nature—a figure that reaches as high as 80% in many countries.
"In this context, the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources are significant not only for environmental protection but also for economic development, employment, and improving the well-being of the population. COP17 will serve as a platform to discuss international commitments and future actions toward biodiversity conservation," Hickey remarked.
About COP17
The 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) will take place in Yerevan from October 19 to 30, 2026.
Participants will focus on issues such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, the mobilization of funding for nature conservation programs, and the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
One of the key goals of this framework is to ensure the conservation of at least 30% of land and marine areas by 2030.
