Against the backdrop of growing international efforts to bring the BBNJ Agreement into operation, this year’s Dialogue focused on practical pathways for implementation, including legal preparedness, institutional mechanisms, international and regional cooperation, capacity-building, technology transfer, and sustainable financing. Discussions highlighted the importance of translating international commitments into concrete actions that support both marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
The event took place at a pivotal moment for global ocean governance. Following more than two decades of negotiations, the BBNJ Agreement entered a new phase of implementation in January 2026, shifting international attention from treaty-making to the practical task of translating legal commitments into operational realities. As States prepare for implementation and future meetings of the Conference of the Parties, questions concerning legal coherence, institutional arrangements, capacity-building, technology transfer, and sustainable financing have become increasingly important, particularly for developing countries seeking to strengthen their readiness to implement the Agreement.
Part of a dialogue series launched in 2017; the Ocean Dialogue has evolved into a flagship initiative of KAS-DAV cooperation and a respected platform for exchanges on ocean and maritime affairs. Over the years, the series has brought together academics, government officials, diplomats, scientists, and international experts to discuss developments in the law of the sea, maritime governance, marine environmental protection, and sustainable ocean development.
This year’s Dialogue focused on the implementation phase of the BBNJ Agreement, a landmark treaty adopted on 19 June 2023 as the third implementing agreement under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Having attracted broad international support, including from Vietnam and Germany, the Agreement represents an important milestone in strengthening the international legal framework governing the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. The treaty is expected to contribute to protecting marine ecosystems, addressing biodiversity loss, promoting fairness and equity in the use of marine genetic resources, and supporting global efforts to respond to environmental degradation and climate change.
For Vietnam, effective participation in the implementation of the Agreement presents opportunities to strengthen international cooperation, contribute to global ocean governance efforts, and further promote the sustainable management and conservation of marine resources. Against this backdrop, the Dialogue provided a timely platform for exchanging experiences and identifying pathways to strengthen national and regional implementation efforts.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Lewe Paul, Resident Representative of KAS Vietnam, emphasized that effective ocean governance requires strong international cooperation and a rules-based approach grounded in international law. He noted that the transition from treaty adoption to implementation will require sustained efforts by states, international organizations, and stakeholders to develop appropriate legal, institutional, financial, and technical mechanisms. He also reaffirmed Germany’s longstanding commitment to international cooperation, marine biodiversity conservation, and a rules-based maritime order founded upon international law.
The Dialogue featured three substantive sessions: (1) National Implementation of the BBNJ Agreement: Challenges and Opportunities; (2) International and Regional Cooperation for Effective BBNJ Implementation; and (3) Institutional Mechanisms and Enabling Frameworks for BBNJ Implementation. Through these discussions, participants examined national approaches to incorporating treaty obligations into domestic legal systems, strengthening international and regional cooperation, and developing the institutional and financial arrangements necessary to support effective implementation.
The Dialogue brought together experts from Vietnam and a number of regional and international institutions, providing a valuable platform for comparative perspectives on the legal, institutional, and practical dimensions of BBNJ implementation. Experts highlighted the importance of ensuring that implementation efforts remain inclusive, science-based, and responsive to both national circumstances and regional priorities. Particular attention was paid to capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology, which are widely regarded as essential elements for enabling all states to effectively participate in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Participants also proposed a range of policy recommendations, including strengthening domestic legal preparedness, enhancing regional cooperation, advancing marine scientific research, expanding access to capacity-building initiatives and marine technologies, and mobilizing sustainable financial and technical resources to support the effective realization of BBNJ commitments.
Contributing an important international perspective to the discussions, German expert Mr. Torsten Thiele, Founder of the Global Ocean Trust, shared insights on financing mechanisms and institutional arrangements supporting the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement. His remarks underscored the importance of sustainable financial resources, international cooperation, and effective governance frameworks in ensuring that the Agreement can deliver tangible outcomes for ocean conservation and sustainable development.
Throughout the event, speakers reaffirmed the central role of UNCLOS as the legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas. Participants also underscored the need to strengthen multilateral cooperation, promote marine scientific research, and enhance coordination among governments, academic institutions, and international organizations in addressing emerging ocean governance challenges.
As the international community moves from negotiating the BBNJ Agreement to implementing its commitments, participants agreed that sustained dialogue, enhanced cooperation, and strengthened capacities will be essential to ensuring that the Agreement delivers meaningful benefits for marine biodiversity conservation and sustainable development worldwide.
Through its longstanding partnership with the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, KAS Vietnam continues to promote informed policy dialogue, facilitate exchanges between international and Vietnamese experts, and support collaborative approaches to addressing emerging maritime and global governance challenges. Through sustained engagement, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation, the 15th Ocean Dialogue continues to serve as an important platform for advancing a cooperative, rules-based, and sustainable maritime order in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS.
