The first meeting of the Consultative Group of Experts (CGE) took place in Bonn, Germany, from 21 – 22 February 2019.  20 members, including one remotely, attended the meeting.

Key summary of the outcomes of the meeting includes the following:

• The CGE elected Mr. Gervais Ludovic ITSOUA MADZOUS (Congo) as the Chair and the Mr. Arif GOHEER (Pakistan) as the Rapporteur for 2019;
• With a view to taking into account the outcomes of COP 24 and CMA 1, the CGE revised its rules of the procedure;
• The CGE took note of the oral report, prepared pursuant to decision 19/CP.19, annex, paragraph 2, by the secretariat on the composition of the team of technical experts for the technical analysis of biennial update reports;
• Further, it also took note of the update, by the secretariat, on the CGE training programme for the team of technical experts for the technical analysis of biennial update reports which is run bi-annually by the CGE with the assistance of the secretariat;
• The CGE also developed a guide to assist its members participate, as an observer, in the REDD‐plus forest reference emission level and/or forest reference level assessment pursuant to decision 13/CP.19, annex, paragraph 9;
• The CGE developed its work plan for 2019 taking into account achievements and lessons learned till date and relevant outcomes from COP 24 and CMA 1;
• In addition, the group also agreed to continue enhancing its communication and outreach activities, and collaboration efforts with other expert group and constituted bodies under the Convention and the Paris Agreement, and other intergovernmental and international organizations.