Maldives at the FAO Side Event: Fisheries and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

Maldives participated the FAO side event “Fisheries and Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction” held on the margins of #BBNJ PrepCom2 In New York from 18-29 August 2025.

Director General, Dr. Hussain Sinan, emphasised how deeply our communities depend on the ocean; highlighting the how its health is intertwined with the survival of our communities.

Maldives highlighted that the #BBNJ Agreement is a unique opportunity to:

- Strengthen cooperation across instruments, frameworks & bodies, including RFMOs and Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

- Ensure that small island states not only have a seat at the table, but also the means to participate fully and meaningfully.

- Empower developing states by building their capacity and enabling them to work alongside global experts.

Maldives further stressed that by operationalising the #BBNJ Agreement based on the principles of cooperation, fairness & real capacity-building, we can ensure that it benefits all, especially those whose lives are tied to the sea.