BBNJ Agreement - new milestone in development of international maritime law
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Vietnam Society of International Law, on December 10 organised a seminar on 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).
Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry𝓰 ꦚof Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Vietnam Society of International Law, on December 10 organised a seminar on 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).
The event was among the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the entry into force of the UNCLOS.
The seminar brought together representatives from various relevant ministries, sectors, and agencies, as well as foreign diplomatic missions in Vietnam, speakers, scholars, and researchers in maritime and ocean law.
At the event, Charlotte Salpin, Senior Legal Officer at the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), provided an overview of the BBNJ Agreement, covering its development and key provisions.
Other speakers touched upon implementation mechanisms, the obligations for environmental impact assessments, capacity-building mechanisms, financial provisions, and technology transfer within the agreement, comparing them to the provisions of the 1982 UNCLOS.
The BBNJ Agreement is the latest legal instrument developed to implement the UNCLOS. It is the result of years of negotiations which began in 2004 and was officially adopted and opened for signature in 2023. The document addresses globally significant issues such as benefit-sharing of marine genetic resources, establishing marine protected areas, conducting environmental impact assessments, capacity building, and technology transfer. It also outlines decision-making mechanisms for the conference of parties, establishes operational institutions, addresses disputes, and develops financial mechanisms.
The agreement is seen as a landmark in the evolution of international maritime law, aiming to realise the 14th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 14) of the UN. The document underscores the UNCLOS as the "Constitution of the Oceans" and reaffirms its relevance as the foundational legal framework for addressing emerging maritime governance challenges.
As a coastal nation committed to international law, including the UNCLOS, Vietnam actively participated in the negotiation process for the BBNJ Agreement. It was among the first countries to sign the agreement and is currently preparing its ratification dossier. Vietnam is also working closely with other countries to prepare for the implementation of the agreement once it comes into force./.
The two-day 16th international conference on the East Sea, themed "Navigating Narratives, Nurturing Norms,” wrapped off in Ha Long city of the northeastern coastal province of Quang Ninh on October 24, featuring two keynote sessions, one special session, and seven main discussion panels.
The peaceful settlement of disputes without the use or threat to use force in the East Sea emerged as a pressing concern at an international conference held in the northern province of Quang Ninh from October 23-24.
The 16th international conference on the East Sea opened in Ha Long city of northeastern Quang Ninh province on October 23, seeking ways to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the East Sea.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
