Philippines Hosts Talks on Early Operationalization of High Seas Treaty at the United Nations

NEW YORK 22 April 2025 — The Permanent Mission of the Philippines to the United Nations, in collaboration with the Permanent Missions of Indonesia and Sierra Leone, and the High Seas Alliance, hosted a side event titled “Building Strong Institutions, Building Capacities: Setting the Vision for the Early Operationalization of the BBNJ Agreement,” at the sidelines of the first session of the Preparatory Commission for the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) on 16 April 2025.

Deputy Permanent Representative Leila C. Lora-Santos of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines delivered the opening remarks, underscoring the Philippines’ firm commitment to the swift ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.

“As an archipelagic state located at the center of global marine biodiversity, the Philippines fully recognizes the urgent need to operationalize the BBNJ Agreement. Strengthening our institutions and capacities will be critical in protecting our oceans for future generations,” she said.

The event featured a dynamic series of presentations from Member States and experts, addressing key institutional elements needed to bring the Agreement into force and effect.

Mr. Andy Aron, Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Indonesia to the United Nations called for “action, structure, and solidarity” to realize the promise of the Agreement. He emphasized that “a treaty is only as strong as its implementation.” Second Secretary Martin Zvachula of the Permanent Mission of Micronesia to the United Nations highlighted the central role of the Conference of Parties (COP) as the decision-making body of the Agreement and stressed that a solid set of rules of procedure is important for the COP.

Deputy Permanent Representative Kimberly Louis of the Permanent Mission of Saint Lucia, speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), emphasized that the ambition of the BBNJ Agreement reflects how it is absolutely necessary – and that the CARICOM is committed to its expeditious operationalization. She mentioned that CARICOM advocated to ensure that the Capacity-Building and Transfer of Marine Technology (CBTMT) Committee was established and that its terms of reference and modalities are adopted at the first COP.

Amb. Julio Cardano of Chile and Mr. Thomas Voets presented the visions for an effective Secretariat and its Headquarters. Amb. Cardano shared the five pillars for a strong institution which are: inclusivity, transparency, efficiency, accountability and party drivenness. Voets shared Belgium’s vision for a Secretariat that is a catalyst for equitable ocean governance.

Ms. Angelique Pouponneau, AOSIS Ocean Lead Negotiator, in her national capacity, emphasized the importance of finance in the successful implementation of the Agreement, noting that “at least 10 to 42 million US dollars for additional capacity [is] needed per year to support long term operations.”

Ms. Eleanor Petch from the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office spoke on the Clearing House Mechanism (CLHM) with focus on marine genetic resources (MGRs), emphasizing that “making the clearing house mechanism a reality is an important element of making sure that we are ready for the entry into force of the agreement”. Johannes Mueller explained the role of the CLHM and its role in environmental impact assessments, advocating for a user-friendly portal to ensure transparency.

Dr. Marie Antonette Junio-Meñez of the UP Marine Science Institute underscored the role of the Scientific and Technical Body (STB) in supporting transdisciplinary approaches and regional coordination. She noted the interconnectivity between areas in national jurisdiction and areas beyond national jurisdiction and how the BBNJ Agreement can build on what already exists within the practice of States.

Prof. Dr. Suzette Suarez, maritime law expert and professor at Hochschule Bremen underscored the duty of States Parties to cooperate, emphasizing that this duty of cooperation is central to ensure that the BBNJ Agreement operates in harmony with relevant legal instruments and frameworks, as well as relevant regional, subregional, and sectoral bodies.

Ms. Snjezana Zaric, Programme Officer at the UN Division of Ocean Affairs presented an overview of the support available from the DOALOS for States to become a party to the BBNJ Agreement and prepare for its entry into force.

The event was moderated by Ms. Azela Arumpac-Marte, First Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Permanent Mission of the Philippines, and Counsellor Hawanatu Kebe of the Permanent Mission of Sierra Leone.

In closing, Counsellor Kebe expressed support for the swift, effective and equitable implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, noting that events aimed at increasing the momentum and promoting the ratification and implementation of the Agreement are important. Rizza Sacra-Dejucos, Asia Regional Coordinator of High Seas Alliance, emphasized how the “PrepCom can either make or break the ambitions that the nations agreed to two years ago.”

The event underscores the Philippines’ commitment to the early ratification and effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and its continuing engagement in international ocean governance. END

For more information, visit https://www.newyorkpm.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.un.int/philippines or https://www.facebook.com/PHMissionNY/.