On 4 November 2025, the World Maritime University (WMU) contributed to the High-Level Conference on the BBNJ Agreement, titled “The BBBNJ Agreement: Challenges and Promises for a Fairer and Healthier Ocean” held in Sri Lanka and hosted by the Regional Centre for Maritime Studies (RCMS).
conference on the bbnj agreement
The conference convened legal experts, policymakers, diplomats, researchers and maritime stakeholders to reflect on the challenges, opportunities, and implications 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) for the Indian Ocean region and the importance of regional leadership and multilateral collaborative action in shaping the future of ocean governance.
Contributions
This contribution was a step forward in the collaboration between WMU-GOI and RCMS that was initiated to explore their common goals in relation to the BBNJ Agreement and efforts towards capacity-building for the Indian Ocean region under the Ireland WMU-GOI BBNJ Clinic Programme.
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 BBNJ CLINIC PROGRAMME
Funded by Ireland, the BBNJ Clinic is implemented by the WMU-GOI with the aim to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in ratifying and implementing the BBNJ Agreement. The Clinic offers legal and policy support to ensure inclusive participation in ocean governance.