Pakistan has formally joined a historic United Nations agreement aimed at conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the “BBNJ Agreement” at the UN Headquarters in New York, reinforcing Pakistan’s active role in global environmental governance.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan played a leading role during the treaty negotiations, chairing the Group of 77 and China in two major sessions held in 2022. The country represented the collective interests of developing nations, strongly advocating for principles such as equitable benefit-sharing, capacity building, and marine technology transfer.

The BBNJ Agreement, established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, addresses pressing global issues including the fair use of marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, and the creation of marine protected areas.

Pakistan’s position throughout the negotiations was firmly rooted in the principle of the “common heritage of humankind.” The Foreign Office said the agreement represents a significant step toward ensuring that marine biodiversity in international waters is preserved for future generations, while also promoting international cooperation and legal coordination.

The agreement also introduces institutional mechanisms, such as a Conference of the Parties, a Clearing-House Mechanism, and a dedicated secretariat, to support its implementation and global engagement.