The High Seas (BBNJ) Treaty will enter into force on 17 January 2026- a landmark achievement for global ocean protection and multilateral cooperation.
To mark this historic moment, the High Seas Alliance invites you to a Celebratory Virtual Reception on 19 January 2026 at 9:00 am EST. Join us for a dynamic, inspiring online event featuring high-level voices, personal reflections, and creative ocean celebrations. Together, we’ll honor decades of collective effort and build momentum towards universal ratification and strong implementation ahead of BBNJ CoP1.
📅 Date: 19 January 2026
⏰ Time: 9:00-10.30 am EST
💻 Location: Zoom
Register HERE to receive the Zoom link.
Be part of the celebration- and the future of the High Seas!
Meeting Programme
Host and moderator: Rebecca Hubbard, Director of High Seas Alliance
Section 1: Opening and setting the scene
- Rebecca Hubbard: introduction
- Opening remarks: UN Legal Counsel, Ms. Elinor Hammarskjöld
- Keynote speech: President of Palau
- High Seas Alliance Video on Entry into Force: 2 mins
Section 2: Celebratory / story-telling contributions
- Rebecca Hubbard: Introduction of next round of speakers
- Lisa Speer, NRDC: Reflections on decades of ocean advocacy on the Treaty
- Em The Master, performance artist: Master of Disguise Octopus song
- Solomon Pili Kaho’Ohalahala (Uncle Sol): Indigenous Peoples and ocean advocate
- Asha de Vos, marine scientist: Insights into the rich biodiversity of the High Seas and its importance
- Francine Elisaia: Pacific Youth representative
- Em The Master: Don’t Stop Now – song about the Treaty
Section 3: Closing
- Closing remarks by Ambassador Rena Lee, Ambassador for International Law, Singapore & President of the Intergovernmental Conference on BBNJ
- Presentation of artistic representation (drawing) of the meeting