10 October 2023: BBNJ Informal Dialogue
[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CET / 08:00 EST]
Part 1: From UNGA 78 to COP1: the Road Ahead
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 will be 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. A brief overview of decisions expected to be taken early on by the COP will be provided.
Guiding Questions:
- What decisions and supportive actions should receive attention, as a matter of priority, for the early implementation of the Agreement?
- What actions could UNGA 78 take in support of early entry into force and operationalization of the Agreement, paving the way to COP 1?
Part 2: 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. Experts from the donor community will be asked to consider and react to the views expressed.
Guiding Question:
- What type of international support is particularly needed to assist States in preparation for the ratification and implementation of the Agreement, in light of the CBTMT listed in Art. 44 and as elaborated on in Annex 2 of the Agreement.
Evolution of the BBNJ Informal Dialogue Platform
From February 2023, the “High Seas Treaty Dialogues” will evolve into a multi-year informal Track 1.5 platform “BBNJ Informal Dialogues” will continue to advance progress toward the finalization of an agreement and progress pre- and post-entry into force of the agreement.
21 virtual dialogues and 6 in person dialogues will be organized between January 2023 and December 2026.
The continued platform will include an Advisory Committee, Ad hoc Committee and a Consultative Network.
The Advisory Committee: will comprise select representatives from government, UN Member State regional groups and leading marine/ocean conservation organizations. The committee will meet regularly to plan the substance and details of the BBNJ Informal Dialogues.
The Ad hoc Committee: will be convened to work on time-bound issues in support of the BBNJ informal Track 1.5 dialogues. Composition and tasks of the Ad hoc Committee will change over time.
Consultative Network: will include a wide group of representatives from government, civil society, and the private sector as well as scientists, economists and academics. It will meet three times a year to discuss crucial and timely issues related to the adoption, entry into force and implementation of the BBNJ agreement.