# Chile and Belgium Launch Joint Bid for UN Biodiversity Secretariat The two nations propose splitting headquarters between Valparaiso and Brussels for BBNJ treaty. - **Source:** [The Straits Times – World](https://www.straitstimes.com/world) - **Published:** 2026-11-06 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/16261063-8f69-4905-8c45-54e47085e49a ## Strategic Diplomatic Partnership Chile and Belgium have officially combined their national bids to host the secretariat for the UN Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. This collaborative effort aims to leverage the unique strengths of both countries to secure the prestigious UN body. The joint proposal was formally announced by both nations on Friday, November 6. ## Divided Operational Structure The proposed plan splits the secretariat's functions between two distinct geographic locations. Valparaiso, Chile, is designated to host the primary administrative functions and the treaty's financial mechanism. Meanwhile, Brussels, Belgium, would provide the necessary physical and technical infrastructure while serving as the central hub for hosting meetings of the treaty's various subsidiary bodies. ## Focus on Treaty Implementation The BBNJ Agreement, which was adopted in 2023 following a decade of intense international negotiations, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity. By hosting the secretariat, the successful candidates will oversee the implementation of conservation measures across two-thirds of the global ocean surface. This structure ensures that both financial and technical operations remain robust. ## Facilitating Global Decision Making The primary objective of this joint bid is to facilitate an effective and streamlined decision-making process at the first Conference of the Parties. By presenting a unified front, Chile and Belgium hope to demonstrate their commitment to the treaty's success. They believe this dual-base model offers the most efficient path for global governance. ## Upcoming Competitive Selection The final decision regarding the location of the secretariat will be determined during the first Conference of the Parties. This significant event is scheduled to take place in New York in January 2027. The joint bid from Chile and Belgium will face direct competition from the Chinese city of Xiamen, which is also vying. ## Scope of BBNJ Agreement The BBNJ Agreement represents a landmark effort to regulate human activities in international waters. Covering approximately two-thirds of the ocean's surface, the treaty addresses the urgent need for marine protection in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Establishing a permanent secretariat is a critical step toward ensuring these vast, shared ecosystems receive the necessary international oversight. ## Historical Context of Negotiations The adoption of the BBNJ Agreement in 2023 marked the conclusion of ten years of complex diplomatic discussions among UN member states. This long-term process highlights the difficulty of achieving consensus on high-seas governance. The upcoming selection of a host city is the next major milestone in operationalizing this historic environmental legal framework. ## Significance of the Secretariat The secretariat serves as the backbone for the treaty's information-exchange mechanism and administrative continuity. Its location will influence the logistical flow of international environmental policy for years to come. As the 2027 deadline approaches, the competition between the Chile-Belgium coalition and Xiamen underscores the growing global importance of marine conservation governance. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/chile-belgium-join-forces-in-bid-to-host-un-biodiversity-secretariat — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._