Pakistan Signs Pact with UN to Conserve Marine Biodiversity

Strategic Insights -

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, signed an agreement with the United Nations on Monday to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The agreement, known as the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) Agreement, reflects Pakistan's commitment to multilateral cooperation and the protection of marine biodiversity. The signing took place at the UN Headquarters in New York, and the Foreign Office announced the development on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan's initiatives and leadership at the UN Security Council, highlighting the country's strong role and principled positions in addressing global challenges.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has signed the BBNJ Agreement with the United Nations to conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
  • The agreement reflects Pakistan's commitment to multilateral cooperation and the protection of marine biodiversity, as stated by the Foreign Office on X (formerly Twitter).
  • United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Pakistan's initiatives and leadership at the UN Security Council, highlighting the country's strong role and principled positions in addressing global challenges.
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to multilateralism, the central role of the United Nations in tackling global challenges, and the need to advance peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
  • Dar raised several issues of national and regional concern with Guterres, including the ongoing dispute over Jammu and Kashmir, India's alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty, and instances of terrorism within Pakistan allegedly sponsored from abroad.
  • Pakistan has consistently dedicated to the principles of the UN Charter, as emphasized by Dar during the meeting with Guterres.
  • The Deputy Prime Minister expressed Pakistan's firm support for a sovereign Palestinian state, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and complete opposition to Israel's annexation plans in the West Bank.

Statistics:

  • Pakistan will conserve marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction through the signed BBNJ Agreement.
  • The BBNJ Agreement reflects Pakistan's commitment to protecting 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, as mentioned in the agreement.
  • Pakistan held a high-level debate on multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes during its presidency of the UN Security Council in July 2025.
  • Pakistan will convene a session on UN-OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) cooperation as per the agreement with the UN Secretary-General.

Sources:

  • Foreign Office (Pakistan), "Pakistan Signs BBNJ Agreement"
  • United Nations (no specific source)
  • Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, cited in "Pakistan, UN chief discuss regional issues"
  • Pakistan's X (formerly Twitter) post, cited in "Pakistan Signs BBNJ Agreement"