18 - 29 August
Report by Liliana Rodriguez Cortes (Delegate of the IOI to the United Nations)
The second session of the Preparatory Commission (PrepCom) 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) took place at United Nations HQ, New York. The IOI was represented by Liliana Rodriguez Cortes (Delegate of the IOI to the United Nations).
In their final remarks, Co-Chairs Janine Coye-Felson (Belize) and Adam McCarthy (Australia), commended delegates for their constructive engagement and underlined the urgency of completing the preparatory work before the Agreement’s entry into force. On the final day, Ukraine signed the Agreement, bringing the total to 141 signatories, and Saint Kitts and Nevis ratified, bringing the total ratifications to 55 States: five short of the 60 ratifications* then required for entry into force. This development reflected the growing momentum behind the Agreement.
Main highlights included discussions around the:
- Rules of Procedure for the Conference of the Parties (COP): These discussions aim to ensure inclusive and functional governance, enabling all States—particularly developing States and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)—to engage meaningfully in COP proceedings.
- Financial Arrangements and the Special Fund
- The Clearing-House Mechanism (CHM)
- Guidance to the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The Co-Chairs and Bureau were also tasked to consider the ways forward intersessionally in preparation for PrepCom III.
IOI Reflections
- While progress was made, particularly in structuring intersessional work, key decisions remain pending on finance, governance procedures, and technical mechanisms.
- The inclusive approach taken in discussions reflects the recognition that the success of the Agreement depends on cooperation and equitable participation of all States.
- IOI stresses the need for continued dialogue, technical support, and capacity-building to ensure that developing States can meaningfully and effectively engage in the Agreement’s implementation.
Next Steps
PrepCom III (March–April 2026) is expected to finalise unresolved issues, including:
- Rules of procedure (virtual participation and emergency decision-making);
- Operationalization of the Special Fund;
- Terms of reference for the CHM expert group; and
- Guidance to the GEF.
IOI will continue to follow the process closely and contribute its expertise in capacity development, knowledge-sharing, and inclusive governance.
Documents