Pakistan has signed a major international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), reaffirming its commitment to protecting marine biodiversity and promoting sustainable ocean governance.
The signing took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, where Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar signed the “BBNJ Agreement” on behalf of Pakistan.
Pakistan reaffirms global leadership in marine conservation efforts, signing UN agreement
The agreement, formally titled “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),” sets a legal framework for conserving marine life in parts of the ocean that lie beyond any country’s borders.
Pakistan played a central role during the negotiations. Throughout the talks, Pakistan strongly advocated for fair benefit sharing, capacity building for developing nations, and technology transfer, reflecting its long-standing position that the ocean’s resources are the common heritage of humankind.
According to the Foreign Office, Pakistan’s signing of the BBNJ Agreement is a powerful expression of its commitment to multilateralism and sustainable development. It also highlights the country’s active engagement in global environmental diplomacy and its dedication to safeguarding shared natural resources.
The agreement aims to ensure that marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction is protected through collective efforts, scientific cooperation, and equitable sharing of marine genetic resources.
With the world’s oceans facing growing threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change, this treaty marks a critical step toward preserving ocean ecosystems for future generations.
By joining the BBNJ framework, Pakistan positions itself as a responsible and forward looking member of the international community; one that is ready to contribute to global environmental goals while upholding the interests of developing nations.
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