November 2025
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) will enter into force on 17 January 2026. Accordingly, the BBNJ Informal Dialogues in November and December 2025 will be devoted to a consideration of the implications of the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement.
During the BBNJ Informal Dialogue in November 2025, delegations were invited to consider the implications of the entry into force of the Agreement in relation to measures such as Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs), including Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology (CBTMT).
October 2025
During the BBNJ Informal Dialogue in October 2025, delegations were invited to share their reflections on the second session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of 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) and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement (hereinafter ‘the Preparatory Commission’) which was held from 18 to 29 August 2025. During part two of the BBNJ Informal Dialogue, delegations were offered the opportunity to share information on their preparations for ratification, approval or acceptance of or accession to the BBNJ Agreement.
August 2025
The BBNJ Informal Dialogue in August 2025 was divided into three parts and focussed on three of the issues considered at the second session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of 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) and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement (Preparatory Commission) namely: Arrangements for the functioning of the secretariat, including its seat; Financial Rules governing the funding of the Conference of the Parties (COP) and the funding of the secretariat and any subsidiary bodies; Subsidiary Bodies (e.g., size and composition, terms of office of members, rules of procedure, terms of reference and modalities). Time was also reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing updates and information.
July 2025
The BBNJ Informal Dialogues held 2 Dialogues in July in the lead up to the second session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission (18-29 August 2025) for the Entry into Force of 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) and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement (Preparatory Commission). The first July 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on the financial mechanism established under Article 52 of the BBNJ Agreement. Participants discussed the voluntary trust fund, special fund, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) trust fund, as well as the possibility of additional funds to support the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Delegations considered modalities for the establishment, administration, and monitoring of these financial components, including the scope of support provided, applicable financial rules, eligibility and access procedures, and institutional arrangements. The Dialogue also explored questions related to assessed and voluntary contributions, resource mobilization goals, and the relationship between the financial mechanism and subsidiary bodies, including the Capacity-building and Transfer of Marine Technology Committee (CBTMT) and the Finance Committee. Representatives from relevant legal instruments, frameworks, and bodies shared experiences and lessons learned from their own financial mechanisms and identified potential synergies and opportunities for collaboration with the BBNJ framework. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
The second BBNJ Informal Dialogue in July focussed on three of the issues considered at the second session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission namely: Draft terms of reference for an informal group on the technical aspects of the operationalization of the Clearing-House Mechanism under the BBNJ Agreement; Draft rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the BBNJ Agreement; and Reporting requirements pursuant to the BBNJ Agreement. Time was also reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing updates and information.
June 2025
The June 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on two key areas: arrangements to enhance cooperation among relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies (IFBs), and reporting requirements under the BBNJ Agreement. In the first part of the Dialogue, delegations considered the potential impact of the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on existing IFBs, and explored how coherence and coordination could be strengthened without undermining existing bodies. Discussions addressed reciprocal obligations of States participating in both the BBNJ framework and relevant IFBs, the promotion of BBNJ objectives within other fora, and the roles that the BBNJ secretariat and IFB secretariats could play in supporting cooperation. Participants also exchanged views on effective cooperation mechanisms, national-level cross-sectoral coordination, and the need for synergies between instruments. The second part of the Dialogue focused on reporting requirements. Delegations considered the various types of reports required under the Agreement. Consideration was given to potential modalities for report preparation and how to avoid duplication while ensuring alignment with existing frameworks. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for the exchange of BBNJ-related updates.
May 2025
During the May 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue, delegations had an opportunity to share information on preparations for signature and ratification, approval or acceptance of 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). Delegations also reflected on the first session of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission, held from 14 to 25 April 2025. Issues under discussion included the rules of procedure for the Conference of the Parties (COP), modalities and terms of reference for subsidiary bodies, the selection process for members of the Scientific and Technical Body, arrangements for the secretariat and its seat, operation of the Clearing-House Mechanism, financial rules, and preliminary discussions on cooperation, reporting requirements, and financial mechanisms. Delegations shared views on areas requiring particular attention at the upcoming second session of the Preparatory Commission and highlighted the role of intersessional work. In the final part of the Dialogue, attention turned to the reporting requirements set out under the Agreement. Participants considered the types of reports that may be required, possible modalities for report preparation and approaches for identifying overlaps with other legal instruments, frameworks and bodies. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
March 2025
The March 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on several institutional and procedural issues listed in the provisional programme of work of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of 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) and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement ( ‘the Preparatory Commission’). Discussions addressed the draft rules of procedure of the Conference of Parties, terms of reference and modalities for the operation of subsidiary bodies, selection process for members of the Scientific and Technical Body and other subsidiary bodies, and arrangements for the functioning and location of the secretariat. Participants also considered modalities for the operation of the Clearing-House Mechanism and financial rules governing the funding of the Conference of Parties, the secretariat and subsidiary bodies. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
February 2025
The February 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focussed on some of the issues relating to finances reflected in the provisional programme of work as follows: A) Terms of reference and modalities for the operation of, and rules of procedure for the Finance Committee and B) Financial rules governing the funding of the Conference of the Parties and the funding of the secretariat and any subsidiary bodies. Time was reserved for delegations to share views on progress, challenges and lessons learned in signature and ratification, approval or acceptance of the BBNJ Agreement and other BBNJ-related updates, including a recent draft General Assembly resolution on 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).
January 2025
The January 2025 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on one of the subsidiary bodies of the Conference of the Parties (COP) which is listed in the list of governance issues under the cluster of issues, namely the Access and Benefit Sharing Committee. At the Dialogue, relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional subregional and sectoral bodies (IFBs) were invited to share information on the institutional arrangements they have specifically established for Access and Benefit Sharing, including in relation to clearing-house mechanisms and/or other arrangements. They were also invited to share lessons learned, as well as address potential synergies between their work and that of the ABSC under the BBNJ Agreement and propose possible areas for collaboration. The second part of the dialogue was reserved for a discussion on progress, challenges and lessons learned in signature and ratification, approval or acceptance of the BBNJ Agreement. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
December 2024
The December 2024 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on relevant provisions of the BBNJ Agreement in relation to the Scientific and Technical Body (STB). The BBNJ Informal Dialogue considered the size, composition, modalities of operation, functions and terms of reference of the STB, as well as interlinkages between the work of the STB and the work of other subsidiary bodies in the BBNJ Agreement. In view of the important role of the Clearing-House Mechanism under the Agreement for the performance of the functions of the STB, consideration was also given to the kind of Clearing-House Mechanism that might be required to effectively support the work of the STB at the initial stages. Relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional subregional and sectoral bodies (IFBs) were invited to share information on the institutional arrangements they have specifically established for scientific and technical matters, including in relation to clearing-house mechanisms and/or other arrangements. Discussants were invited to share lessons learned, as well as address potential synergies between their work and that of the STB under the BBNJ Agreement and possible areas for collaboration. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
November 2024
The November 2024 BBNJ Informal Dialogue focused on the relevant provisions of the BBNJ Agreement in relation to the Implementation and Compliance Committee. The Dialogue also considered the role of the Clearing-House Mechanism in relation to implementation and compliance, in particular what kind of Clearing-House Mechanism might be required to effectively support the work of the Committee at the initial stages. Relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional subregional and sectoral bodies (IFBs) were invited to share information on the institutional arrangements they have specifically established for implementation and compliance, including in relation to clearing-house mechanisms and/or other arrangements for providing access to information on implementation and compliance. IFBs were invited to share lessons learned in relation to the Dialogue’s guiding questions. Time was reserved at the end of the Dialogue for sharing BBNJ-related updates.
October 2024
The October BBNJ Informal Dialogue focussed on the Subsidiary bodies of the Conference of the Parties: Capacity-Building and Transfer of Marine Technology Committee. Relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies (IFBs) were invited to share information on the institutional arrangements they have specifically established for capacity-building and the transfer of technology and to share lessons learned with respect to several of the issues raised in the guiding questions. IFB experts also shared potential synergies between their work and that of the Capacity-building and Transfer of Marine Technology Committee under the BBNJ Agreement and possible areas for collaboration. Delegates were provided an opportunity to share thoughts on this subject with each other and to interact with the IFB experts.
August 2024
The August BBNJ Informal Dialogue provided delegates with an opportunity to share thoughts and reflections on the outcomes of the organizational meeting of the Preparatory Commission, as well as continue to focus on important aspects of the Agreement and process.
June 2024
In advance of the first official United Nations meeting to organize a BBNJ preparatory process, the June BBNJ Informal Dialogue provided delegates with an opportunity to share views on some of the issues to be addressed at the organizational meeting of the preparatory commission.
April 2024
The first part of the BBNJ Informal Dialogue provided an opportunity to look at lessons learned in the establishment and operation of existing clearing-house mechanisms and for delegates to consider the mechanics of a clearing-house mechanism, how it works in practice and what is required for its effective operation. Representatives from relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies (“IFBs”) and other experts shared their experiences and views on how they foresee cooperation with the future BBNJ clearing-house mechanism.
The second part of the dialogue focused on updates on the draft General Assembly resolution on 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) (document A/78/L.41, dated 6 February 2024), and provided delegates with an opportunity to share thoughts on how to prepare for the first meeting of the preparatory process in the form of an organizational meeting foreseen in late June. During the final part of the Dialogue, delegates shared BBNJ related updates, events, publications, and other initiatives.
March 2024
The first part of the March BBNJ Informal Dialogue focussed on the draft General Assembly resolution on 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) (document A/78/L.41, dated 6 February 2024). The BBNJ Informal Dialogue received information on the draft resolution. Thereafter, delegates had an opportunity to share views on some of the issues to be addressed at the organizational meeting of the preparatory commission provided for in the draft resolution. The second part of the dialogue opened a focus on the Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM). An overview of the functions of the Clearing-House Mechanism was provided by experts and delegates were invited to share reflections, including whether there are functions of the Clearing-House Mechanism that would need to be carried out prior to entry into force of the Agreement. The final part of the Dialogue provided an opportunity to share BBNJ related updates, events, publications, and/or any other initiatives.
February 2024
The first part of the February 2024 BBNJ Informal Dialogue built on the December 2023 Dialogue regarding efforts to develop a draft resolution in early 2024 to be submitted to the General Assembly – including the resumed session of the 5th Committee (February – March 2024). The Dialogue received information on progress in the development of the draft resolution. During the second half of the Dialogue, delegates had the opportunity to hear from experts about lessons learned from other treaties in regard to preparatory processes established prior to entry into force. The final part of the dialogue provided delegates an opportunity to share BBNJ-related updates, events and/or publications.
December 2023
The first part of the discussion followed on a briefing given at the November BBNJ Informal Dialogue on efforts to develop a draft resolution in early 2024 to be submitted to the General Assembly – including the resumed session of the 5th Committee (February – March 2024). Delegates had an opportunity to further share their views on what elements should be included in such a resolution. Delegates shared information on BBNJ-related initiatives.
November 2023
The dialogue continued to focus on what decisions UNGA 78 will take in relation to BBNJ and then turn to the functions of the interim secretariat and the process to secure the required financial resources to support its functions.
The discussion was informed by a Vice-Chair of the United Nations Administrative and Budgetary Committee (Fifth Committee) Bureau.
October 2023
The UN General Assembly decided to include an item on the BBNJ Agreement in its provisional agenda for UNGA 78. Further to the DOALOS presentation at the July BBNJ Informal Dialogue session, and considering the volume of work that the first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 1) will be facing, participants were invited to share views on the way ahead, towards what course of action could be developed by the General Assembly to prepare for COP 1 and the operationalization of the Agreement. The later part of the dialogue focussed on States Needs for Preparing to Implement the Agreement. Following on the GEF’s presentation at the August BBNJ Informal Dialogue, this discussion will seek to explore States’ needs in support of preparation for ratification and implementation of the Agreement. The dialogue will invite interventions from Member States and Observers. Experts from the donor community will be asked to consider and react to the views expressed.
August 2023
The August BBNJ Informal Dialogue invited delegates to focus on: What is next following the adoption of the resolution on the BBNJ Agreement at the seventy-seventh session of the General Assembly?
At an individual State level: What do States need to do to prepare for signature and ratification, approval or acceptance? How are States preparing for possible signature and ratification, approval or acceptance? What are the challenges states might be facing? What resources can States draw on to prepare for ratification, approval or acceptance?
Future action by the General Assembly: What action could the General Assembly take at its seventy-eighth session in the context of its new sub item in support of early entry into force and operationalization of the Agreement? What procedural steps could the General Assembly take at its seventy-eighth session?What is the most time sensitive? What is the roadmap going forward?
July 2023
The July session focussed on how to address the volume of work that needs to be done before entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement and the first session of the Conference of the Parties as well as lessons learned from other treaty processes. It will invite experts from other treaty processes (UNFCCC and the Minamata Convention) to share their insight and experiences on how they prepared for ratification and entry into force, followed by questions and dialogue with participants.
May 2023
The May dialogue focussed on: What actions could be taken to prepare for the further resumed fifth session of the BBNJ Intergovernmental Conference on 19 and 20 June 2023; What actions might be required at the level of the General Assembly once the agreement is adopted and it receives the report of the Conference; What would be the functions of the interim secretariat, the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea?; What actions might be required to promote the early entry into force of the agreement?; and What actions might be required to prepare for the entry into force of the agreement and the first session of the Conference of the Parties?
April 2023
The April 2023 session took place after the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument 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 (IGC 5) when the text of the draft Agreement was finalized. The session, which focussed on moving toward adoption and signature, offered an opportunity for delegates to share their initial reflections on the required next steps in the treaty process. The informal dialogues welcomed other suggestions of substantive areas that may be constructively discussed in subsequent BBNJ Informal Dialogues.
January 2023
Pre-IGC 5+ Informal Intersessional Meeting Manhasset, New York
An informal intersessional in-person from 26-29 January 2023 at the Greentree Estate retreat space in Manhasset, New York, bringing together 50 delegates representing regional groups and Member States that have been active in the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument 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 negotiations) to make progress on the draft treaty text in the lead up to what became the final official UN IGC BBNJ negotiating session.
December 2022
The 15 December 2022 dialogue focussed on: The process for adoption and entry into force of the agreement, including lessons learned and best practices. The dialogue will draw on recent experiences from those involved in other processes. How many parties does the BBNJ agreement need to enter into force? After the text is agreed and adopted, what do Member States need to do in the intersessional period to advance the entry into force of the agreement? What do Member States need to do to prepare for the post-adoption period
November 2022
The 23 November 2022 dialogue focussed on: How to best capture progress that has been made so far? What do you want to see in the programme of work for the IGC 5+ to put the process in the best possible position to finalize the agreement? How to maximize the work of the informal working groups? What small groups are needed and in what areas? If small groups are needed, how could they be most effective? What efforts can be made by the plenary to resolve contentious issues?
October 2022
At the request of a significant number of Member States for a debriefing session after the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument 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 (IGC-5), a 2-hour dialogue took place in October 2022.
This session offered an opportunity for delegations to share both their reflections regarding IGC-5 and also their views on required next steps leading to the adoption of the BBNJ agreement at the resumed fifth session of the IGC early next year. Request was made for other suggestions of substantive areas that may be constructively discussed in subsequent informal intersessional dialogues.
July 2022
The July 2022 dialogues focussed on the Preamble, General Provisions and Final Provisions as well as on Settlement of Disputes and Advisory Opinions. Delegations were invited to exchange views on proposals from IGC 4 and the President’s further revised draft text of an 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 with respect to several key issues.
May 2022
Following on fourth session of the Intergovernmental Conference on an international legally binding instrument 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 (IGC-4, the May 2022 dialogues focussed on Marine Genetic Resources; Capacity Building and the Transfer of Marine Technology as well as Financial Resources and Mechanisms, and Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) & Strategic Impact Assessments (SEAs). During the dialogue, delegates heard from experts and had an opportunity to share proposals and feedback
December 2021
The December 2021 dialogues focussed on Implementation, Compliance, and Dispute Settlement and the Relationship between the institutional arrangements under the future BBNJ agreement and relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies. The dialogues also focussed on Marine Genetic Resources, including questions on the Sharing of Benefits and Transfer of Marine Technology.
October 2021
The October 2021 dialogues focussed on Implementation, Compliance, and Dispute Settlement; Perspectives on Data Information and Management, and on Marine Genetic Resources, including Sharing of Benefits
September 2021
The September 2021 dialogues focussed on Principles and Approaches and Preamble and Scope of Application. The session included time set aside to exchange views on process, and the intersessional programme of work.
June/July 2021
The June/July 2021 dialogues focussed on Environmental Impact Assessments, with a focus on Strategic Environmental Assessments, picking up on discussion outcomes from previous informal intersessional High Seas Treaty Dialogues on EIAs; Marine Genetic Resources, with a specific focus on Pre and Post Cruise Notification, as well as Capacity Building and Transfer of Marine Technology, picking up on discussion outcomes from previous informal intersessional High Seas Treaty Dialogues on CBTMT.
May 2021
The May 2021 dialogues focussed on Financial Resources and Mechanisms, Area-Based Management Tools—including article 4 on the relationship between the agreement and the Convention and relevant legal instruments and frameworks and relevant global, regional, subregional and sectoral bodies other instruments, and article 6 on international cooperation.
April 2021
The April 2021 dialogues focussed on Implementation and Compliance, Non-Parties, and Settlement of Disputes, Final Provisions, with a focus on Entry into Force, Provisional Application, and Amendment of the Agreement and the Annexes.
March 2021
The March 2021 dialogues focussed on Institutional Arrangements: building on discussion outcomes from Ambassador Lee’s March intersessional Presidential forum, and Decision-Making: COP and subsidiary bodies mentioned in article 48, Scientific and Technical Body, Secretariat and Clearing-House Mechanism, as well as Scope of Application (article 3(2)) and General Principles and Approaches (article 5).
February 2021
The February 2021 dialogue focussed on Capacity Building (CB) and Transfer of Marine Technology (TMT).
December 2020
The December 2020 dialogue focussed on Area-Based Management Tools (ABMTs): Picking up on discussions to date including from the July High Seas Treaty Dialogue on ABMTs and the President’s November Programme of Intersessional Work.
November 2020
The November 2020 dialogue focussed on Marine Genetic Resources (MGRs): Picking up on discussions to date including from the June High Seas Treaty Dialogue on MGRs and the President’s October Programme of Intersessional Work on MGRs. This session also addressed Indigenous Knowledge in the context of MGRs.
October 2020
The October 2020 dialogue focussed on Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Picking up on EIA discussions to date including from the July High Seas Treaty Dialogue on EIAs and the President’s September Programme of Intersessional Work on EIAs, including “Triggering the Conduct of an EIA”, the “Internationalization of the EIA Process” and other EIA related issues.
July 2020
The July 2020 dialogue focussed on Area-Based Management Tools and Environmental Impact Assessments.
June 2020
The June 2020 dialogue focussed on Marine Genetic Resources, Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer.
April 2020
In April 2020, BBNJ delegations met for the first preparatory informal online High Seas Treaty Dialogue to exchange ideas and identify preferred choice of treaty provisions to be discussed in the substantive video meetings to be followed in June and July.
3-5 March 2020 – Monaco
The dialogues hosted in-person in collaboration with the Prince Albert II Foundation in Monaco, the dialogue focused on Area-Based Management Tools, such as Marine Protected Areas, and Environmental Impact Assessments. The high-level segment in Monaco was facilitated by the 68th U.S. Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, currently serving as the first United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
20-21 January 2020 – Oslo
The dialogues hosted in-person in collaboration with the Norwegian Nobel Institute in Oslo, the 2-day dialogue focussed on Marine Genetic Resources.