The Bahamas Conference offered insights into how global waters can be spaces of agreed non-conflict in the face of dynamic geopolitical considerations. Beyond water as an essential planetary resource for existence of all life, global waters are fundamental for international trade; sustainable development; and for human security and the strategic political security of nations.
The first day of the conference took a comprehensive view of the international peacebuilding landscape, followed by a second day to discuss key elements to revitalize the concept of Zones of Peace in connection to global waters. The conference also provided a critical opportunity to strengthen partnerships between Member States and non-state actors that are committed to multilateralism.
The Honourable Frederick A. Mitchell MP, Minister of Foreign Affairs of The Bahamas and The Honourable Mr. Justice Chile Eboe-Osuji Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice Former President of the International Criminal Court, as well as expert speakers, provided valuable insights into the key opportunities for multilateral dialogue and peacebuilding in global waters.
Key takeaways from the discussion are highlighted below:
- Shared waters – such as the high seas, river systems, or the deep seas -- transcend political borders, therefore effective governance is critical for peace, security, and development.
- Zones of Peace is an innovative approach to promoting dialogue and conflict prevention. This model transforms shared bodies of water from potential flashpoints into anchors of cooperation by institutionalizing inclusive, cross-border governance structures and generating shared economic and social benefits that underpin lasting peace.
- Given accelerating climate stress, growing resource competition and the security risks of militarized waterways, this new approach offers a sustainable path to managing—and transforming—shared waters into durable drivers of regional stability and development. Innovative approaches to sustaining peace are urgently needed in a rapidly changing multilateral context.
- Zones of Peace can be a test case for effective multilateralism. 80 years after the creation of the United Nations, and amid significant transformations in the global order, it is important to showcase positive initiatives and tools to strengthen the peace and security pillar of the United Nations.
- As a small-island state with experience in maritime issues, the Bahamas can leap forward for “Zones of Peace” architecture by thought leadership, convening power and commitment to multilateral engagement.
- Cooperation should be at the core of such an agreement -- recognizing global interests, state strategic interests, economic interests from national and international perspectives.
