During the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Belgium placed ocean protection high on the international agenda while actively promoting Brussels as the future seat of the Secretariat of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
With heads of state, ministers and representatives of international organisations gathered in New York, Belgium used this unique diplomatic opportunity to engage partners from around the world and build support for the rapid implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, one of the most significant international ocean agreements in recent decades. Through a series of events, Belgium highlighted both the urgency of protecting the global ocean and the value that Brussels can offer as the host city of the future Secretariat.
Belgium participated in the high-level meeting “Addressing the Existential Threats Posed by Sea-Level Rise”, which focused on one of the most pressing challenges facing the international community. Rising sea levels are projected to threaten nearly one billion people by 2050, particularly in vulnerable coastal regions and small island developing states. The consequences extend far beyond environmental impacts, affecting security, economic development and social stability worldwide.
To further strengthen international dialogue on ocean governance, Belgium and Cabo Verde jointly hosted the reception “Successes on the High Seas.” The event brought together diplomats, representatives of international organisations, scientists and civil society leaders to exchange views on key ocean challenges, including sea-level rise, the conservation of marine biodiversity and the protection of international law of the sea. The reception also underscored the importance of translating the ambitions of the BBNJ Agreement into concrete action and effective international cooperation.
Run for the Ocean
In addition, Belgium increased public visibility for ocean protection through the symbolic “Run for the Ocean” initiative. The event provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of ocean conservation and to showcase Brussels’ candidacy to host the future BBNJ Secretariat.
Belgium believes that Brussels offers a strong and proven foundation for a Secretariat that will serve the international community as the BBNJ Agreement enters into force and implementation. Our country ratified the Agreement in 2025 and has long been recognised as a committed actor in international ocean diplomacy, marine science and sustainable ocean management.
As one of the world's leading centres for international cooperation, Brussels combines several unique advantages. Its strategic location at the heart of Europe, extensive diplomatic presence, concentration of international institutions and strong scientific and policy expertise create an environment ideally suited to support the work of a global Secretariat. Hosting the BBNJ Secretariat in Brussels would place it within a well-established ecosystem dedicated to international governance, multilateral engagement and evidence-based policymaking.
Diplomatic Heart
The High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly therefore represents more than an opportunity to raise awareness about ocean protection. It also offers a platform to demonstrate how Brussels can provide the visibility, connectivity and institutional support needed for a Secretariat that will play a central role in advancing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Minister for Justice and the North Sea Annelies Verlinden underlined Belgium's ambition:
“Belgium is ready to make Brussels the diplomatic heart of the ocean. A place where science and politics come together, and where all nations can make their voices heard in the protection of our blue planet.”
Through its engagement in New York, Belgium reaffirms both its commitment to the BBNJ Agreement and its readiness to offer Brussels as a dynamic, accessible and internationally connected home for the future Secretariat. By choosing Brussels, the international community would be investing in a location with a proven track record in multilateral cooperation and a strong commitment to advancing global ocean governance.
