(NEWS) Ratifying and Implementing the BBNJ Agreement

September

2025

Ratifying and Implementing the BBNJ Agreement - Side Event at UN Headquarters

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On 21 August, the World Maritime University – Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) in collaboration with the International Coastal and Ocean Organization (ICO) Global Ocean Forum (GOF), hosted a side event during the second session of the BBNJ Agreement Preparatory Commission (PrepCom II), held 18–29 August 2025 at the UN Headquarters in New York (PrepCom II Side Event Schedule here).

The event, titled “Ratifying and Implementing the BBNJ Agreement: Efforts and Challenges”, brought together leaders and experts from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and other developing countries to discuss national and regional efforts, challenges in ratification and implementation, and ongoing capacity development initiatives. The WMU-GOI contribution was organized within the Ireland WMU–GOI BBNJ Clinic Programme, funded through the Government of Ireland International Development Programme.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Ambassador Nuala Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Deputy Permanent Representative of Ireland to the UN, who stressed the BBNJ Agreement’s importance for ocean protection and its complementarity with other conventions and agreements.

The first panel was moderated by WMU-GOI Director, Professor Ronán Long, and Assistant Professor Dr. Ríán Derrig. The panel explored domestic implementation needs under the Agreement and emphasized knowledge-sharing among SIDS, with speakers addressing Pacific regional coordination, national-level implementation, marine genetic resources, and environmental impact assessments.

The second panel focused on collaboration, advocacy, and capacity development to support ratification, highlighting the importance of cross-sectoral governance platforms, active stakeholder participation in Latin America, and the role of financial support and global initiatives in advancing these efforts.

Closing remarks from Ms. Susan Gardner (UNEP) emphasized the need for cross-sectoral and intergenerational collaboration to ensure inclusive participation, especially from SIDS and developing countries and to address the legal, institutional, and technical foundations necessary for effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

The side event attracted a broad audience, including government delegates, UN agencies, international organizations, and legal experts from Asia-Pacific, South Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and Europe. The WMU-GOI also engaged in PrepCom II meetings and bilaterals with partners and donors, reinforcing WMU’s commitment to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and global ocean governance through education, research, and partnerships.

Learn more about the BBNJ Clinic Programme as well as the side event and access the Post event material via the BBNJ Clinic website here.

About BBNJ PrepCom II
The second PrepCom session marks a key milestone in operationalizing the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, addressing the legal, institutional, and technical foundations for implementation with inclusive participation from developing countries and SIDS.

More about the event, including photos, is available on the BBNJ Clinic Programme website.

About the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute
The World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö.

About the BBNJ Clinic Programme
Jointly supported by Ireland and WMU-GOI, the BBNJ Clinic assists Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement. The Clinic offers legal and policy support to ensure inclusive participation in ocean governance.

Learn more and access post-event materials: https://bbnjclinic.wmu.se/

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