This Joint Briefing is organized by the Secretariats of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) to inform and update Permanent Representatives of Member Countries and Contracting Parties, stakeholders and relevant FAO units about ongoing work and upcoming events and meetings of the two Secretariats. The January 2019 Joint Briefing will particularly focus on issues on the agenda, intersessional processes and highlight events in preparation for (1) the Seventeenth Regular Session of the Commission, and (2) the Eighth Session of the Governing Body of the International Treaty. In addition, H.E. Ambassador Hans Hoogeveen, Co-chair of the Working Group on the Enhancement of the International Treaty’s Multilateral System will present information on key issues, expectations and an update on the state of negotiations on the Enhancement process. The meeting will be opened by FAO ADG for Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water Department, Rene Castro, with presentations by Commission Secretary, Irene Hoffmann, and International Treaty Secretary, Kent Nnadozie.