What is the aim of the Diplomatic Conference?

The aim of the Diplomatic Conference is to conduct formal negotiations that will result in the adoption of the MLA Convention. This will be a crucial step within the MLA Initiative, which is led by Slovenia, together with Argentina, Belgium, Mongolia, the Netherlands and Senegal (“Core group”). Today, the MLA initiative is supported by 77 States from regions all over the world.

Participation

Representatives from UN Member States, UN Observers, international and non-governmental organisations will participate in the Diplomatic Conference.

Participation in the Diplomatic Conference is by formal invitation only.

Registration

Please register your participation at the Diplomatic Conference by clicking ‘Registration’ button and providing your personal details through the registration form. Once registered, you will receive information on status of your registration to your e-mail.

REGISTRATION - state representatives

REGISTRATION - IO and CSO representatives

Non-EU participants shall check the visa regime of the Republic of Slovenia.

Registration deadline: 14 April 2023.

Participants with visa obligation registration deadline: 28 March 2023.

Participants with a visa obligation are kindly asked not to delay the registration.

Credentials

To participate actively in formal negotiations, all States, both Supporting States and States that have not expressed formal support for the MLA Initiative, are required to submit a scanned copy of credentials well in advance of the Conference to the following e-mail address: mla-initiative.mzz@gov.si. The originals should be submitted to the Secretariat of the Conference at the venue no later than 24 hours after the beginning of the Conference, if possible. A sample of the credential letter is available among the documents.

Organisation of work of the diplomatic conference

Negotiations will take place in plenary sessions and working groups.

MLA Initiative Supporting States may actively participate in the Conference. Other participants may attend the Diplomatic Conference as Observers.

The primary working language of the diplomatic conference will be English. Plenary sessions will benefit from English, French and Spanish interpretation.

All the documents relevant for the Diplomatic Conference (draft treaty, draft rules of procedure, draft agenda, etc.) are available among the documents.

Any questions regarding the Diplomatic Conference can be sent to: mla-initiative.mzz@gov.si.

Practical information

All practical details, e.g. visa requirements and visa application process, accreditation, accommodation and transfer options, special hotel room prices for the participants, etc. can be found in the Handbook for Participants.