New York, July 22, 2025: Pakistan has formally signed the “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement),” reaffirming its commitment to global marine conservation and sustainable use.
The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Pakistan played a prominent role in the BBNJ negotiations, particularly as Chair of the Group of 77 and China during the two main sessions held in 2022. Representing the collective voice of developing nations, Pakistan consistently advocated for equitable benefit-sharing, robust capacity-building, and access to marine technology — principles grounded in the concept of the “common heritage of humankind.”
The Foreign Office described the signing as a milestone in Pakistan’s commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development. “The BBNJ Agreement reflects Pakistan’s ongoing dedication to the protection and responsible use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,” the official statement noted.
The BBNJ Agreement, also referred to as the “High Seas Treaty,” aims to address growing concerns over the depletion of marine resources and ensure the sustainable use of ocean biodiversity in international waters.
