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Dr. Cristiana Paşca Palmer, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, delivered an opening statement at the 9th Trondheim Conference on Biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for action to address the ecological and climate emergencies. She highlighted the strong determination to develop an ambitious post-2020 global biodiversity framework, using existing scientific and traditional knowledge to conserve, sustainably use, and ensure equitable access to biodiversity. The conference aims to set a transformative agenda for nature, and Palmer acknowledged the bold actions taken by countries like Indonesia and China to reduce biodiversity loss. She also noted the growing international momentum to address the biodiversity crisis, with the issue moving to the center of the global agenda, linked to climate change, sustainable economic development, health, food security, and other critical global issues. Palmer cited various reports, including the IPBES global comprehensive report on biodiversity and ecosystem services, which documented the extent of the crisis and called for transformative change. She encouraged continued participation and engagement from civil society, the private sector, and governments to conserve, restore, and sustainably use biodiversity, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsibility for the planet's health.