Cambodia Honored as “High Seas Treaty Champion” for Early Ratification of BBNJ Agreement

NEW YORK (Sept.25, 2025) — Cambodia was recognized as a “High Seas Treaty Champion” during a high-level side event at the United Nations Headquarters, underscoring its commitment to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth accepted the award on behalf of Prime Minister Hun Manet during the event titled “From Nice to New York: Activate the High Seas Treaty,” held at the North Delegate Lounge.

The ceremony brought together representatives from the first 60 countries to ratify the treaty.

Sophalleth led Cambodia’s delegation and joined political leaders, international organizations and youth activists who played key roles in negotiating and promoting the treaty.

Cambodia signed the BBNJ Agreement on June 9 during the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, and completed ratification on Sept. 6, ahead of the 80th U.N. General Assembly.

The treaty reached the required threshold for entry into force after 60 nations ratified it during a Climate Action event held as part of the General Assembly’s High-Level Week. It is scheduled to take effect in January 2026.

The BBNJ Agreement aims to protect marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, strengthen climate resilience and safeguard the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide.