“Vietnam Leads the Way in Joining the Century’s Most Significant Maritime Agreement”

The United Nations hosted a special international treaty event to promote the Treaty on the High Seas and encourage nations to become parties to the most important international treaty on the oceans from the beginning of the 21st century. The event was attended by 35 countries that signed or deposited their instruments of ratification or approval of the Treaty during UNOC 3.

Kicking off the event, French President Emmanuel Macron invited leaders of countries and the UN Secretary-General to take a commemorative photo, demonstrating the international community’s determination to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son presented the diplomatic document to Ms. Elinor Jane Britt Hammarskjöld, Deputy Secretary-General and Legal Counsel of the United Nations, announcing the approval of the Treaty on the High Seas by the Government of Vietnam.

Vietnam was one of the first countries to sign the Treaty on the opening day and was among the frontrunners in completing internal procedures to become a party to the Treaty. This sends a strong message about a proactive and responsible Vietnam, actively contributing to the international community’s efforts to address global issues related to the oceans and seas.

The participation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese high-level delegation in this meaningful event related to the Treaty on the High Seas demonstrates the determination and concrete actions of the Vietnamese Government in the global endeavor to build a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainably developing ocean.

At UNOC 3, the international community expressed its desire to reach the number of 60 countries completing the ratification or approval procedures, so that the Treaty on the High Seas can enter into force in 2025.

Marine genetic resources in areas beyond national jurisdiction are a potentially lucrative resource in the 21st century. Areas beyond national jurisdiction account for more than 60% of the ocean’s surface and are particularly rich in biodiversity, containing rare and valuable genes with significant economic potential and high scientific value, especially in medicine, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.

At present, only developed countries and private companies with advanced marine and biotechnology capabilities and ample financial resources are able to collect and develop applications for these deep-sea genetic resources, while there is no international instrument regulating the obligation to share benefits or conserve this resource.

The Treaty on the High Seas is a historic milestone in the international community’s efforts to protect the marine environment, in the context of implementing the 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

This is the third agreement negotiated and concluded within the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, reaffirming the role and importance of the Convention as the comprehensive legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas, including the exploitation, equitable sharing of benefits, and conservation of marine genetic resources in international waters. The Treaty will enter into force 120 days after 60 countries have deposited their instruments of ratification or approval.