World Oceans Day

The second session of the Commission is scheduled to be held from 18 to 29 August 2025 at United Nations Headquarters in New York. Opening (item 1) Adoption of the Agenda (item 2) Programme of work (item 3) Appointment of members of the Credentials Committee (item 4) Consideration of the matters to be addressed by the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement at its first meeting and additional matters, as identified by the Preparatory Commission (item 5) Rules of Procedure of the Conference of the Parties (Cluster I: Issue 1) The BBNJ Agreement addresses four main issues:  Marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits; Measures such as area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; Environmental impact assessments; and Capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology. In its resolution 78/272, the General Assembly decided to establish a preparatory commission to prepare for the entry into force of the Agreement under the Uni...

I am pleased to join you in celebrating the 30th anniversary of the International Seabed Authority – a cornerstone in the governance of our ocean commons. The international seabed area is not the domain of any nation. It is the common heritage of humankind – a principle enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which must continue to guide us. We must bring together our global efforts in climate action, biodiversity preservation, and marine protection. The deep ocean remains one of our last frontiers. It holds great promise but also requires great caution. For thirty years, the Authority has helped protect this shared realm through peaceful, sustainable and inclusive governance. Today, it is navigating complex challenges with care and clarity, and I commend its commitment to finding balanced and effective solutions. As we mark this milestone, let us advance cooperation grounded in science, and keep working together to safeguard the ocean for the benefit of all ...