20-6-2023 (SINGAPORE) Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has lauded the adoption of a historic United Nations treaty that aims to safeguard the high seas, calling it a “collective game changer”. Speaking at the Intergovernmental Conference on Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) in New York on Monday (Jun 19), he delivered Singapore’s national statement and pledged that the country would ratify the agreement as soon as possible.
The BBNJ agreement is a legal framework that provides environmental protection to ocean areas beyond national borders. It also introduces requirements for environmental impact studies for proposed activities in international waters. Singapore’s oceans issues ambassador Rena Lee presided over the BBNJ negotiations and oversaw talks among more than 190 countries that agreed to the agreement on Mar 4.
The treaty, which was adopted by the UN on Monday, is a victory for international law, according to Dr Balakrishnan. He added that it strengthens the comprehensive framework provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas.
Dr Balakrishnan described the BBNJ agreement as a collective game changer for global efforts to conserve and sustainably use marine biological diversity. He also noted that it marks a step forward for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, which mandates the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources for all humanity.
In addition, the minister highlighted the win for multilateralism and the UN. Singapore’s history, people, and economy are deeply intertwined with the ocean, he said, adding that the country relies on it for survival and prosperity. Dr Balakrishnan congratulated Mrs Lee and the delegates on the adoption of the agreement.
The BBNJ agreement will open for signature on Sep 20, and Dr Balakrishnan called on all UN member states to strive for its early signing and ratification.
