Vietnam's first-ever election of a judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea marks growing recognition of the country's role in shaping and upholding international maritime law.
The 15th Ocean Dialogue, themed "From Agreement to Action: Implementing BBNJ for Equitable and Effective Ocean Governance," was held on the morning of Sept. 18, jointly organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, the Foundation for East Sea Studies (FESS), the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and the Australian Embassy in Vietnam.
Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam. Photo: Phong Son
The dialogue focused on solutions to translate commitments under the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, known as the BBNJ Agreement, into concrete mechanisms, institutions and actions at the national, regional and global levels.
Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Vice President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, said the BBNJ Agreement has helped establish a comprehensive framework for protecting marine biodiversity in international waters.
As an implementing agreement under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the BBNJ Agreement must be implemented consistently with UNCLOS and existing global, regional and sectoral cooperation mechanisms, she said.
Delegates attend the 15th Ocean Dialogue.
Effective implementation of the agreement needs to begin at the national level, underpinned by international cooperation, science and technology, according to Lan Anh.
Resolution No. 20, issued by the 14th Party Central Committee on July 28, sets the goal of developing Vietnam into a strong maritime nation, emphasizing modern ocean governance, the role of marine science and technology, and the need to ensure a healthy and sustainable marine environment.
The goal is consistent with implementation of the BBNJ Agreement and reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to international law, including UNCLOS.
Lan Anh said Vietnam, a maritime nation with a coastline of more than 3,000 kilometers, was among the first countries to sign the BBNJ Agreement and has been at the forefront of its ratification.
"No country can protect marine biodiversity alone," she said, adding that regional cooperation in Southeast Asia based on international law and UNCLOS also requires the sharing of expertise and data.
Australia pledges A$160 million to strengthen maritime capacity
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird. Photo: Phong Son
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird praised the Ocean Dialogue for addressing a timely issue, noting that seas and oceans are increasingly affected by climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
Australia considers healthy, safe and sustainable oceans essential to national prosperity and security.
Bird said Australia was ready to ratify the BBNJ Agreement and participate in the meeting of parties in January 2027 as a state party.
Australia is committed to helping countries in the region prepare to implement the BBNJ Agreement and to sharing expertise on marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and ocean governance.
One Australian initiative is the A$160 million Southeast Asia Maritime Partnerships program, designed to help Vietnam and other regional partners strengthen maritime cooperation, governance and capacity.
Lewe Paul, country representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Vietnam, said Germany considers marine biodiversity protection, ocean conservation and the maintenance of a rules-based international order important elements of international cooperation.
Germany actively supported negotiations on the BBNJ Agreement and continues to promote its effective implementation through concrete action. Bonn has developed into an international center for environmental governance and biodiversity.
Paul described the Ocean Dialogue as an important forum for sharing perspectives and connecting law with policy, international commitments with national implementation, and science with policymaking.
He also congratulated Nguyen Thi Lan Anh on her recent election as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.
According to Paul, her nomination and election represented a significant achievement and recognition of Vietnam's growing contribution to the development and implementation of international maritime law.
Lewe Paul, country representative of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung in Vietnam. Photo: Phong Son
The 15th Ocean Dialogue featured three discussion sessions focusing on aligning the BBNJ Agreement with national laws and institutions; implementing international cooperation under the agreement; and developing supporting mechanisms, institutions and frameworks for its effective implementation.
Discussions covered practical issues including reviews of domestic legislation, interagency coordination, cooperation on marine genetic resources, area-based management tools, environmental impact assessments and marine scientific research.
The Ocean Dialogue is an initiative of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation on maritime legal, policy and scientific issues and advancing sustainable governance of the seas and oceans.
Across its 15 editions, the dialogue has continued to provide a forum connecting policymakers, legal experts, scientists and international partners, facilitating the exchange of experience and the search for practical solutions to emerging challenges in ocean governance.
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