Recalling decision VI/2, by which the Conference of the Parties established the General Trust Fund for Financing Activities on Research and Systematic Observations Relevant to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, and noting that the current life of the Trust Fund will expire at the end of 2019,

Noting with appreciation the contributions to the Trust Fund by several parties and the joint efforts of the World Meteorological Organization and the Secretariat in the implementation of the activities funded from the Trust Fund since it became operational in 2003,

Noting that important activities, including calibrations, inter-comparisons and relevant training, have been implemented successfully under the Trust Fund to date,

Noting with great concern, however, that the resources available in the Trust Fund are not sufficient to enable substantial and sustainable improvements to be made to the global ozone observing system,

Noting that the coming decade remains a crucial time during which the status of the recovery of the ozone layer will become clearer, but that such clarity will be dependent on continued high‑quality observations,

Aware that improvements in ozone observations should take into account the existing strong and intricate linkages between ozone and climate and of the need to carry out relevant observations and analyses for both ozone and climate wherever possible,

Noting with appreciation the work of the Advisory Committee of the Trust Fund, including on the long-term strategy and short-term plan of action for the Trust Fund prepared for consideration by the Conference of the Parties pursuant to decision X/3,

1. To request the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to extend the life of the General Trust Fund for Financing Activities on Research and Systematic Observations Relevant to the Vienna Convention until 31 December 2026;
2. To request the Advisory Committee of the Trust Fund, with the assistance of the World Meteorological Organization and the Secretariat, to implement its long-term strategy and short‑term plan of action for the Trust Fund, paying particular attention to:
   1.  Identifying gaps and needs in research and monitoring of ozone and related climate variables and parameters, complementing the ongoing efforts of the Ozone Research Managers of the Parties to the Vienna Convention and other relevant programmes such as the World Meteorological Organization Global Atmosphere Watch programme;
   2.  Exploring the use of new and cost-effective instrumentation to replace ageing instruments with regard to the projects under consideration by the Advisory Committee;
   3.  Fostering stronger relationships with scientific institutions and related global networks to build capacity and the infusion of knowledge for the activities under its consideration;
   4.  Developing a strategic plan for mobilizing public and financial resources and in-kind contributions for the Trust Fund, to safeguard necessary research and observation activities, and submit it to the Conference of the Parties to the Vienna Convention at its twelfth meeting and inform the parties to the Convention annually through the Secretariat on the progress made, in conjunction with the action set out in paragraph 3 (a) below;
3. To request the Secretariat:
   1. To continue to invite parties and relevant international organizations, including space agencies, scientific and research institutions, United Nations entities, international financial institutions and the private sector, as appropriate, to make financial and/or in-kind contributions towards well‑defined and well-budgeted project proposals developed under the Trust Fund;
   2. To report to the Conference of the Parties at its twelfth meeting on the operation of, contributions to and expenditure from the Trust Fund and on the activities funded from the Trust Fund since its inception, as well as on the activities of the Advisory Committee;