Pakistan Signs UN Pact to Protect Marine Biodiversity

Pakistan Signs UN Pact to Protect Marine Biodiversity

Pakistan Signs Historic UN Agreement to Protect Marine Biodiversity

NEW YORK – Pakistan has officially signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the United Nations Headquarters, reaffirming its commitment to marine conservation and global cooperation.

The landmark signing was carried out by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar during his eight-day official visit to the United States.

Pakistan played a pivotal role in shaping the BBNJ Agreement, especially during the 2022 negotiation rounds, where it chaired the Group of 77 and China — a coalition representing over 130 developing nations. Throughout the process, Pakistan strongly advocated for equitable benefit-sharing, enhanced capacity-building, and the fair transfer of technology, emphasizing the principle of the “common heritage of humankind.”

The BBNJ Agreement aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which make up nearly half of the Earth’s surface. Pakistan’s active engagement in the treaty negotiations and its formal endorsement highlight its dedication to multilateralism and sustainable ocean governance.