The 5th session of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Conference on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) concluded today without agreement, as delegations paused negotiations to reach a compromise.
The Conference was established to develop text for an internationally legally binding instrument, and some expected that an agreement may be adopted at the end of the latest round of negotiations.
The UN noted that Pacific small island developing nations “expressed great disappointment,” while Conference President Rena Lee cited “excellent” progress and said she would request that the General Assembly authorize a resumed 5th session.
