SENIOR officials from Pacific Islands Forum member countries and legal experts from across the region will attend a workshop on treaty law and practice.
This is the first treaty law workshop organised by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in the region.
The three-day workshop brought together officials from ministries of foreign affairs and government agencies, as well as representatives from the judicial and legislative branches of Forum member governments.
Participants discussed key aspects of treaty law processes, including treaty negotiation, signature, ratification, implementation, and participation in the United Nations treaty system.
“Hosting the workshop in the Pacific represents an important milestone for the region, reflecting the increasing engagement of Pacific countries with international law and the global treaty system’’ said Forum Secretary General, Baron Divavesi Waqa.
“The workshop also provided an opportunity for officials to strengthen their understanding of treaty processes and share practical experiences on treaty implementation at the national level.”
Participants highlighted the importance of international treaties in addressing key Pacific priorities, including sustainable development, ocean governance, climate action, and regional cooperation.
Pacific countries have played an increasingly active role in shaping and advancing key international agreements. Participants noted the region’s leadership in developing the treaty establishing the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF), a Pacific-led initiative designed to strengthen community resilience to climate change and disasters.
The region also played a significant role in the negotiations leading to the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). Adopted under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the agreement aims to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Strengthening national capacities to engage effectively with treaties and treaty – making is critical for ensuring Pacific perspectives and interests are reflected in global decision-making processes. The workshop also highlighted the value of partnerships in advancing legal knowledge and capacity in the region.
Collaboration between regional organisations, international institutions, and academic partners helps ensure that Pacific governments have access to technical expertise and practical guidance in navigating treaty law.
The Workshop on Treaty Law and Practice in the Pacific forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and institutional capacity in support of the Vision 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific.
The workshop was coordinated by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in collaboration with the Centre for International Law of the National University of Singapore and organised by the Treaty Section of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, with the support of Austria.
Source: Forum Media