Opening of the Second Session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission

18 August 2025— The second 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) opened today at United Nations Headquarters.

Convened pursuant to General Assembly resolution 78/560, the Commission continues to work under its mandate to prepare for the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and the convening of the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The session, which runs from 18 to 29 August 2025, brings together representatives of States, intergovernmental organizations, civil society  and other stakeholders committed to advancing the implementation of this landmark treaty.

Opening the session, the Co-Chairs welcomed delegations and emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum toward operationalizing the Agreement, underlying the hope for its entry into force. They highlighted the progress made during the first session in April 2025 and underscored the need for constructive engagement on key issues, including the rules of procedure, financial mechanisms, and the Clearing-House Mechanism.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Elinor Hammarskjöld, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, welcomed delegates and emphasized the urgency of collective action to address the unprecedented threats facing the ocean. She highlighted the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, where the BBNJ Agreement featured prominently, including through the special Treaty Event on the margins of the Conference, organized by the Office of Legal Affairs and dedicated to the Agreement. She highlighted that with 139 signatures and 53 ratifications, including the European Union, the Agreement is now just eight ratifications away from entering into force. She also reaffirmed the Office of Legal Affairs’ commitment to supporting Member States, including through capacity-building efforts and the BBNJ voluntary trust fund to ensure inclusive participation.