China Presents Bid to Host BBNJ Secretariat at United Nations Reception

China Presents Bid to Host BBNJ Secretariat at United Nations Reception

Xiamen Proposed as Potential Hub for Global Ocean Governance

United Nations Headquarters, New York

On March 25, the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations hosted a reception to present China’s bid to host the Secretariat of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

In his remarks, Fu Cong, Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations, reaffirmed China’s support for multilateralism and its continued engagement in global ocean governance.

The event brought together more than 200 participants, including delegates from permanent missions, representatives of international organizations, and members of civil society.

A Milestone in Ocean Governance

The BBNJ Agreement is widely regarded as a significant development in international ocean governance. Concluded after nearly two decades of negotiations, the Agreement establishes a framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Speakers at the event highlighted the importance of advancing implementation efforts and strengthening international cooperation under the Agreement.

China’s Proposal

China formally introduced Xiamen as the proposed host city for the BBNJ Secretariat. According to the presentation, the proposal emphasizes:

Institutional support for the effective functioning of the Secretariat
Facilitation of international cooperation and coordination
Contribution to the implementation of global sustainable development objectives
Xiamen as a Candidate City

Xiamen, described as a “garden city on the sea,” was presented as a location with established experience in marine environmental management and international engagement. Its infrastructure, ecological initiatives, and capacity to host international institutions were cited as key advantages.

Broader Context

The selection of the BBNJ Secretariat is expected to play an important role in shaping the implementation phase of the Agreement. Observers note that the location of the Secretariat may influence patterns of international collaboration and regional engagement in ocean governance.

About the Author

Winny Power is an international media founder and United Nations correspondent. She is the Founder of Times Square Global Live (TSGL), a platform focused on covering United Nations affairs, global governance, and cross-cultural dialogue.

About TSGL

Times Square Global Live (TSGL) is an international media platform dedicated to reporting on United Nations activities, international diplomacy, and sustainable development.