From 21–24 April, the World Maritime University (WMU)–Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI), in collaboration with the Government of Seychelles – represented by the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Blue Economy, will host a closed-door hybrid High-Level Roundtable and BBNJ Clinic Workshop in Victoria, Seychelles. The event is organized within the framework of the Ireland - WMU–GOI BBNJ Clinic Programme, generously funded by the Government of Ireland International Development Programme.
high level roundtable and bbnj clinic workshop
From Agreement to Action: Supporting Indian Ocean and African SIDS and Coastal LDCs in the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement”
The High-level Roundtable and the BBNJ Clinic Workshop, titled “From Agreement to Action: Supporting Indian Ocean and African SIDS and Coastal LDCs in the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement” is a practical, capacity-sharing initiative aimed at addressing the specific needs of Indian Ocean and African Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Coastal Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the implementation of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement.
The BBNJ Agreement is a legally binding treaty, by the United Nations, designed to protect and ensure the sustainable use of marine life in international waters (high seas and the deep seabed).
It was adopted in June 2023, and entered into force in January 2026.
The event will bring together a broad network of experts including legal professionals, who are BBNJ national focal points in the region, government officials, and representatives from regional, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations . It will also engage alumni from WMU in the region and from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), as well as participants from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) from the previous BBNJ Clinic Workshop, 7-10 April 2025 in Grenada to build on knowledge gathered through the Clinical programme to date and to facilitate legal technical discussions between SIDS legal experts.
event programme
The event will commence on 21 April with a High-Level Roundtable, featuring keynote addresses by leaders in the region, including ministers, ambassadors and judiciary, to highlight the importance of regional leadership and cooperation in advancing the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, achieving and benefitting from its objectives.
The Technical Workshop Programme 22-23 April will focus on interactive group discussions on Implementation of key aspects of the BBNJ Agreement, including exercises in drafting legislation to transpose obligations under the Agreement to the national level. It will further include presentations from states on ratification & expectations about implementation, as well as presentations on BBNJ implementation related initiatives of intergovernmental organisations and UN bodies in the region. Contributing experts will include representatives from the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Eastern and Southern Africa Division, the High Seas Alliance (HSA), the United Nations Environment Programme - Nairobi Convention, the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
About the Ireland - WMU-GOI BBNJ Clinic Programme
join us
The High-level Roundtable and the BBNJ Clinic Workshop is a closed-door event.
If you are interested in attending, please register your interest here for consideration:
If you would like to connect with WMU-GOI, please contact the team at goievent@wmu.se.
More information about the programme is available here:
ABOUT THE world maritime university
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.
About THE WMU-SASAKAWA GLOBAL OCEAN INSTITUTE
The World Maritime University’s WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö
ABOUT the Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Blue Economy - Republic of Seychelles
The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy (MFABE) oversees the sustainable management and development of the country’s marine and land-based resources to support national growth. It is responsible for regulating and promoting fishing activities and enhancing the productivity and value of fisheries. At the same time, it supports agricultural development by improving local crop and livestock production, assisting farmers, and strengthening food security to reduce reliance on imports. In addition, the Ministry guides the development of ocean-based economic activities by promoting the sustainable use of coastal and marine resources, encouraging investment, and ensuring environmental protection. Through these combined responsibilities, the Ministry plays a key role in balancing economic development, environmental sustainability, and the well-being of the population in Seychelles.