Brussels, 25 September, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Belgium has intensified its international campaign for Brussels to host the permanent secretariat responsible for supporting the new global agreement on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Belgian officials are promoting the Brussels BBNJ secretariat proposal during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York as competition continues with Chile and China.
Belgium promotes Brussels bid in New York
Justice and North Sea Minister Annelies Verlinden is promoting Belgium’s candidacy during high-level meetings in New York this week.
Belgium has used ocean-focused events alongside the General Assembly to highlight its proposal. These have included discussions on rising sea levels and a “Successes on the High Seas” reception organised with Cabo Verde, bringing together diplomats, scientists, international organisations and civil society representatives.
A symbolic “Run for the Ocean” has also formed part of the campaign.
Belgium argues that Brussels already has the diplomatic infrastructure needed to support an international secretariat, including a large community of diplomatic missions, international institutions, researchers and organisations working on European and global policy.
Verlinden presents Belgium’s case for Brussels
Verlinden said on 24 September that Belgium wants Brussels to play a central role in the implementation of the ocean agreement.
“Belgium is ready to make Brussels the diplomatic heart of the ocean.”
She also described the proposed location as a place “where science and politics come together”, highlighting Belgium’s argument that scientific expertise should remain closely connected to international decision-making on marine biodiversity.
Belgium ratified the agreement in 2025 and has made its involvement in ocean diplomacy and marine research a central element of its campaign.
Ocean treaty entered into force in January
The BBNJ Agreement entered into force on 17 January 2026, creating an international framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The agreement covers marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, area-based management tools such as marine protected areas, capacity-building and marine technology transfer.
The permanent secretariat will support the Conference of the Parties and other bodies created under the agreement, including through administrative work, meeting organisation and the circulation of information concerning implementation.
Belgium calls for rapid implementation
Belgium has argued that the lengthy negotiations behind the agreement should not be followed by delays in establishing its institutions.
During Belgium’s General Assembly statement on 23 September, the government said:
“Twenty years of negotiations must not be followed by years of waiting.”
Belgium says Brussels could provide the infrastructure and international connections needed for the secretariat to begin operating quickly.
Chile and China compete with Belgium
The Brussels BBNJ secretariat proposal faces two confirmed rival bids. Chile and China have also formally offered to host the institution.
The competition will determine where one of the most important administrative bodies created under the new high-seas biodiversity framework will be permanently based.
First conference scheduled for January 2027
The first Conference of the Parties is scheduled to take place in New York from 11 to 22 January 2027.
The Conference of the Parties is responsible for making arrangements concerning the permanent secretariat, including deciding its seat.
Belgium is therefore expected to continue diplomatic outreach over the coming months as it seeks international backing for the Brussels BBNJ secretariat proposal ahead of the next stage of the treaty’s implementation.
