Since the BBNJ Agreement opened for signature in September 2023, the international community has been working towards the early entry into force of the Agreement. To this end, the Symposium will focus on issues pertaining to the ratification and implementation of the Agreement, and draw in perspectives from the Asia-Pacific region. It will involve a diverse set of panellists from different sectors, including government, civil society and the research community. There will also be discussions on the forthcoming work of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Symposium!
Please make sure to register to attend the Symposium by 31 January 2025. In-person and online* registration available.
*Online participation implies access to the live streaming of the sessions.
PROGRAMME Tentative
Tuesday, 18 February 2025
Day One
08:15-09:15 - Registration
09:15-09:30 - Keynote Address by Minister for Foreign Affairs of Singapore Dr Vivian Balakrishnan
09:30-11:00 - Panel 1: Ratification – Challenges and Opportunities
11:00-11:30 - Coffee Break
11:30-13:00 - Panel 2: Approach to Legislation and Regulation
13:00-14:00 - Lunch
14:00-15:30 - Panel 3: Financial rules, financial resources and processes
15:30-16:00 - Coffee Break
16:00-17:30 - Research roundtable involving early-stage researchers
Wednesday, 19 February 2025
Day Two
08:30-09:00 - Registration
09:00-10:30 - Fireside Chat with Co-chairs of the BBNJ Preparatory Commission
10:30-11:00 - Coffee Break
11:00-12:30 - Panel 4: Cooperation with relevant instruments, frameworks and bodies under the BBNJ Agreement
12:30-13:30 - Lunch
13:00-15:30 - Panel 5: Subsidiary Bodies
15:30-16:00 - Coffee Break
16:00-17:30 - Panel 6: Clearing House Mechanism (CHM)
17:30 - Closing Ceremony
Thursday, 20 February 2025
Satellite events
In conjunction with the main programme of the Symposium, Mara is pleased to offer a range of satellite events on Thursday, 20th February 2025. Please click here to learn more and register your interest for the side events.
SPEAKERS
Coming soon
Registration for this event is free of charge, but as the venue has limited seating capacity - make sure to secure your spot by 20 January 2025.
Symposium Registration
THE VENUE
Symposium will take place at Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road, Singapore 238879
SYMPOSIUM ORGANISERS
In collaboration with
PROGRAMME ADVISORY GROUP
Prof. J Murray Roberts
Chair in Applied Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Edinburgh
Dr Anna Gebruk
Research Project Manager, University of Edinburgh
Dr Nilufer Oral
Director, National University of Singapore Centre for International Law (NUS CIL)
Emeritus Prof. Robert Beckman
Co-Head, Oceans Law and Policy Programme, NUS CIL
Dr Tara Davenport
Co-Head, Oceans Law and Policy Programme, NUS CIL
Eduardo Cavalcanti de Mello Filho
Research Associate, Oceans Law and Policy Programme, NUS CIL
Prof. Marcel Jaspars
Chair in Chemistry, University of Aberdeen
Dr Dani Diz
Associate Professor, Heriot-Watt University
Dr Pradeep Singh
Fellow, RIFS
Dr Vikki Gunn
Director, Seascape Consultants/GOBI
Monika Thiele
Coordinator (Acting), Regional Seas Programme, UNEP
Daniel Kachelriess
Cross Cutting Coordinator (Consultant), High Seas Alliance
Rizza Sacra-Dejucos
Asia Regional Coordinator, High Seas Alliance
Dr Thomas Vanagt
Co-CEO, ABSint
Kristina M. Gjerde, J.D.
Senior High Seas Advisor, IUCN
STAY INFORMED
Don't miss the event!
Background image - Cold-water coral assemblage on a vertical wall in the Whittard Canyon, NE Atlantic. Image courtesy NOC/JC237, iAtlantic Research Programme