A/RES/50/111 Page 2 on the conservation of biological diversity, 3 Deeply concerned by the continuing loss of the world’s biological diversity and, on the basis of the provisions of the Convention, reiterating the commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, and the sustainable use of its components, as well as the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources, 1. Welcomes the results of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, held at Nassau from 28 November to 9 December 1994, as reflected in the report of the Executive Secretary of the Convention, 4 submitted in accordance with paragraph 4 of General Assembly resolution 49/117; 2. Takes note that the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity has decided to accept the offer of the Government of Canada to host the secretariat of the Convention, and expresses its appreciation for the support offered by the Canadian authorities to ensure the effective functioning of the secretariat; 3. Also takes note of the results of the first meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice, held at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in Paris from 4 to 8 September 1995, including its medium-term programme of work for 1996-1997 and its contribution to the Open-ended Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Panel on Forests of the Commission on Sustainable Development; 4. Calls upon those States that have not yet ratified the Convention to expedite their internal procedures of ratification, acceptance or approval; 5. Invites the Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity to report, through the Economic and Social Council, to the General Assembly at its fifty-first session on the results of the second meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention, held at Jakarta from 6 to 17 November 1995, and also invites the Secretary to make the reports of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention available to the Commission on Sustainable Development. 96th plenary meeting 20 December 1995 3 See Official Records of the Economic and Social Council, 1995, Supplement No. 12 (E/1995/32), chap. I, para. 230 (i). 4 96-76525 A/50/218. /...