Upcoming Programme

13 April 2023: Moving toward Adoption & Signature

[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 EDT]

Moderated by Gabriele Goettsche-Wanli and Eden Charles

A two-hour session will take 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.

This next virtual session will offer an opportunity for delegates to share their initial reflections on the required next steps in the treaty process: conformity of terminology throughout the text of the draft Agreement, harmonization of language versions, adoption of the Agreement, signature and preparations for future entry into force. Delegates are also invited to share their views on required next steps in the treaty process.

We welcome other suggestions of substantive areas that may be constructively discussed in subsequent BBNJ Informal Dialogues.


11 May 2023: BBNJ Informal Dialogue

[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 EDT]

Topic TBD [will be posted by mid April 2023 ]


June 2023: BBNJ Informal In-Person Retreat [ TBD ]

An in-person informal retreat will take place toward the end of May or June [ date to be confirmed by March ]. The retreat will include representatives from Regional Groups and inclusive representation from active BBNJ delegations from all regions. Based on the outcome of the resumed session of the IGC 5, a 3-day retreat will offer delegations the opportunity to continue progress toward the finalization or the implementation of the BBNJ agreement. Predicted timeframe for the retreat will fall in-between other ocean-related UN meetings: Likely between 19 – 25 June.


5 October 2023: BBNJ Informal Dialogue

[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 EDT]

[will be posted by the end of April 2023 ]


22 November 2023: BBNJ Informal Dialogue

[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 EDT]

[will be posted by the end of April 2023 ]


14 December 2023: BBNJ Informal Dialogue

[20:00 SGT / 14:00 CEST / 08:00 EDT]

[will be posted by the end of April 2023 ]