(United States): On 23 September 2025 (United States time), Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth, representing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, received the High Seas Treaty Champion Award during the High-Level Side Event: From Nice to New York: Activate the High Seas Treaty.

The award conferred great honour upon the Kingdom of Cambodia, recognising it as a model country among the 56 founding nations out of the first 60 signatories to the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

On the occasion, he also attended the group photo session of countries that have ratified the BBNJ Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), held at the North Delegate Lounge, UN Headquarters.

It should be noted that Eang Sophalleth, leading Cambodia’s high-level delegation, accepted the High Seas Treaty Champion Award alongside distinguished political leaders, major international organisations, and youth activists who played an active role in the negotiations, in advancing environmental solutions, and in demonstrating strong commitment to conserving the high seas until the adoption of the Agreement (BBNJ) and its effective implementation.

Cambodia signed the BBNJ Agreement during the Third UN Ocean Conference on 9 June 2025 in Nice, France, and subsequently completed the necessary national procedures before ratifying the Agreement on 6 September 2025, ahead of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

The High Seas Treaty was established following the ratification by the first 60 countries of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), during the Special Climate Action event of the High-Level Week of the 80th United Nations General Assembly and related meetings currently taking place in New York, United States.

The Agreement will formally enter into force in January 2026, strengthening global efforts to protect the high seas, address climate change, and safeguard lives and livelihoods worldwide.
=FRESH NEWS