PAPUA New Guinea has taken a monumental step in advancing its global commitment to ocean protection and sustainable marine stewardship.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, formally deposited Papua New Guinea’s Instrument of Ratification for the BBNJ Agreement (the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction) on Tuesday, 22nd September 2026, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.
The Instrument was presented directly to Ms. Elinor Hammarskjëld, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and Legal Counsel, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. With this deposit, Papua New Guinea officially becomes the 95th State Party to the historic treaty, reinforcing its leadership role in strengthening the international legal framework for marine biodliversity beyond nationa boundaries.
Minister Tkatchenko said the formal deposit reflects Papua New Guinea’s longstanding recognition that the health and sustainability of the ocean are fundamental to the country’s environmental, economic, and social wellbeing.
“For Papua New Guinea, the ocean is not simply a vast expanse beyond our shores. It is central to our identity, our culture, our livelihoods, our food security, and our future. By depositing this Instrument of Ratification, Papuo New Guinea is reaffirming its commitment to responsible ocean stewardshipand to strengthening international cooperation for the sustainable management of our shared marine resources.”
The BBNJ Agreement was adopted on 19 June 2023 under the auspices of the United Nations and constitutes the third implementing agreement to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It was signed by Prime
Minister, Hon. James Marape on 9 June 2025 in Nice, France, during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference. The Agreement was then presented to the National Parliament and ratified on June 4, 2026. Papua New Guinea is now a party to the BBNJ agreement and looks forward to participating at the First Conference of Parties to the BBNJ Agreement in January 2026.
The agreement establishes a comprehensive international framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, covering more than two-thirds of the world’s ocean. It addresses four main issues; marine genetic resources, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits; area-based management tools, including marine protected areas; environmental impact assessments; and capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology.
Papua New Guinea will continue to use its voice in international forums to advance the interests of the Pacific and to promote an ocean governance framework that recognizes the needs, rights, and responsibilities of present and future generations.
The deposit of this Instrument marks the finalization of Papua New Guinea’s domestic treaty-making process. Moving forward, PNG will continue to use its diplomatic voice to champion Pacific priorities, promoting a robust ocean governance framework for present and future generations.