23 April 2026: BBNJ Informal Global Dialogue
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) entered into force on 17 January 2026. In accordance with article 47, paragraph 2, of the Agreement, the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) shall be convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations no later than one year after the entry into force of the Agreement.
In its resolution 80/107, the United Nations General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to convene the first meeting of the COP for at least 10 working days by 17 January 2027, on dates and for a duration to be determined in consultation with the Co-Chairs and the Bureau of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement and the Convening of the First Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Agreement (Preparatory Commission). The third session of the Preparatory Commission will be convened from 23 March to 2 April 2026.
The BBNJ Informal Dialogue on 23 April 2026 will be devoted to sharing thoughts on the third session of the Preparatory Commission and path toward the first meeting of the COP.