Manchester has been officially announced as the host city for IPBES-12, a pivotal international Plenary session set to directly inform global policymaking on the critical intersection of business and biodiversity.
This significant win marks a new milestone for the city, demonstrating Manchester's maturity and its increasing capability to host the next tier of globally impactful inter-governmental congresses.
The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) will convene its 12th Plenary session at Manchester Central Convention Complex from 2-8 February 2026. As an independent intergovernmental body, IPBES plays a crucial role in providing policymakers with objective scientific assessments on the state of biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the means to protect and sustainably use them.
This highly anticipated event will unite approximately 900 delegates from 150 countries, including influential government representatives and renowned experts, profoundly reinforcing Manchester's status as a leading city for significant international conferences and events.
A key highlight of IPBES-12 will be the highly anticipated publication of the Business and Biodiversity Assessment. This major intergovernmental report will provide businesses worldwide with the essential methods and metrics they need to accurately measure their interactions with biodiversity and implement meaningful, nature-positive actions.
The announcement was made during London Climate Action Week, underscoring the event's global significance. The high-profile UN event will be hosted by the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Securing IPBES-12 for Manchester is the result of a successful collaborative bid led by Marketing Manchester and Manchester Central, working in close partnership with the Manchester Accommodation Business Improvement District (ABID). This collective effort highlights the strength of Manchester's partnerships and its ability to attract major international gatherings.
"This is a major bid win for Manchester and our host venue, Manchester Central. It represents a significant opportunity to host a global government meeting that perfectly aligns with Greater Manchester’s ambitious vision to become England’s most sustainable city by 2030 and a leading sustainable conference destination.
Hosting an inter-governmental body of IPBES's stature is a powerful testament to Manchester's evolving reputation. It signifies our city's growing maturity as a global destination, capable of facilitating critical international dialogue and contributing directly to global policy development on pressing issues like biodiversity. This demonstrates Manchester is now firmly positioned to attract and deliver the next tier of globally significant international congresses."
Laura Mason, Head of Business Tourism, Marketing Manchester
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