The entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on 17 January 2026 marks a major milestone for global ocean governance. With over 90 ratifications to date and the first Conference of the Parties expected in early 2027, attention is now shifting from ratification to effective implementation.

Successful implementation will require coordinated action across governments, international organizations, financial institutions, scientific bodies, civil society and other relevant partners. It will also require access to technical assistance, capacity-building, scientific cooperation, data and sustainable financing.

The BBNJ Agreement also offers an important opportunity to strengthen coherence and synergies with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF). Marine ecosystems are ecologically interconnected across national boundaries and areas beyond national jurisdiction. Effective implementation of both frameworks can therefore contribute to more coherent conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity, while helping avoid duplication and maximize available knowledge, resources and partnerships.

The side event will bring together governments and implementation partners to share early experiences, highlight existing support mechanisms and identify concrete opportunities to accelerate effective implementation of the BBNJ Agreement while contributing to global biodiversity goals.

Objectives

The event will:

• Share national experiences and lessons from BBNJ ratification and early implementation;
• Showcase institutions, initiatives and partnerships available to support countries;
• Explore practical synergies between BBNJ implementation and the CBD/KMGBF; and
• Identify opportunities to strengthen capacity-building, financing, scientific and technical cooperation and data-sharing.

Format

The event will consist of an interactive moderated discussion structured around two complementary perspectives:

From ratification to implementation: Government representatives will share early implementation priorities, institutional arrangements, capacity needs and lessons learned.

Building an enabling ecosystem for implementation: International organizations, financial institutions, philanthropic actors and civil society partners will discuss available support and opportunities to strengthen coordination, technical assistance, financing and scientific cooperation.

Tentative Agenda

Opening remarks
Government of Mexico

Roundtable: From ratification to effective implementation
Government representatives

Partner perspectives: Building an enabling ecosystem for implementation
Potential participants include the Global Environment Facility (GEF), IOC-UNESCO, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CAF, High Seas Alliance, Ocean & Climate Platform, BirdLife International and Blue Marine Foundation.

Moderated exchange with participants

Closing remarks