Togo: President Gnassingbé Supports Xiamen BBNJ Secretariat Bid

• Togo officially supports Xiamen, China, to host the secretariat for the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force on January 17, 2026, on marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.
• President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé stated that Xiamen's bid offers an opportunity to enhance global ocean governance and promote scientific cooperation.
• Xiamen's strengths include its maritime infrastructure, scientific expertise, and experience in international collaboration.
• Togo believes Xiamen hosting the secretariat could facilitate technology transfer and training for developing countries, aligning with its national priorities.
• Togo's endorsement reflects its commitment to pragmatic, science-driven international cooperation for sustainable high seas protection.

By supporting Xiamen, Togo champions an ambition to leverage ocean governance as a powerful tool for biodiversity protection, scientific collaboration, and shared global development.

The Republic of Togo has officially voiced its support for the Chinese city of Xiamen in its bid to host the secretariat for the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force on January 17, 2026, and focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This endorsement was articulated by Togo's President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Gnassingbé, during an interview with Chinese media outlets. President of the Council of Ministers Gnassingbé characterized Xiamen's candidature haute mer as a timely opportunity to bolster global ocean governance, foster scientific collaboration, and ensure more inclusive participation from developing nations in critical decisions concerning the high seas. President of the Council of Ministers Gnassingbé specifically highlighted the potential for Xiamen to contribute significantly to the operationalization of the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force on January 17, 2026. He emphasized that the selection of a secretariat location is not merely administrative but strategic, influencing the effectiveness and reach of the accord. Togo's stance underscores a belief that the chosen host city should actively facilitate the agreement's overarching goals, particularly regarding equitable access and capacity building for all member states.

Xiamen presents a compelling case for hosting the BBNJ secretariat, possessing several key attributes that align with the demands of such an international body. The city benefits from its significant maritime openness, robust port infrastructure, and a thriving scientific ecosystem. These elements create an environment conducive to supporting an international institution dedicated to oceanic challenges, as noted by Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Council of Ministers. Further enhancing its appeal, Xiamen boasts advanced research platforms, deep expertise in marine sciences, and a proven track record in international cooperation. Its capacity to bridge the gap between scientific researchers, public institutions, economic stakeholders, and international partners is considered a major asset. The close integration of scientific research, technological innovation, and maritime activities within Xiamen could significantly promote knowledge exchange, foster new partnerships, and strengthen the capabilities of countries with more limited scientific and technical resources. China's well-recognized maritime tradition and high-quality infrastructure are also cited as substantial advantages for hosting an international body of this nature.

For Togo, the decision regarding the BBNJ secretariat extends beyond merely selecting a host city; it is fundamentally about ensuring the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force on January 17, 2026, effectively contributes to its core objectives. These include the robust protection of marine biodiversity, the advancement of scientific research, and a more equitable distribution of knowledge and benefits derived from marine genetic resources. The potential for Xiamen to host the secretariat is seen as a catalyst for facilitating scientific cooperation, technology transfers, and specialized training programs specifically designed for developing countries. These prospective benefits resonate deeply with Togo's national priorities. The nation is committed to enhancing its domestic capabilities, deepening its understanding of marine ecosystems, and playing a more active role in international mechanisms for Togo gouvernance océans. Togo's support for Xiamen's bid therefore reflects its dedication to fostering pragmatic international cooperation, grounded in scientific principles, shared expertise, and solidarity among nations. The country firmly believes that the sustainable protection of biodiversité marine zones internationales necessitates effective institutions, strong collaborative partnerships, and the active participation of all states, irrespective of their technical or financial capacities. By supporting Xiamen, Togo champions an ambition to leverage ocean governance as a powerful tool for biodiversity protection, scientific collaboration, and shared global development.

Lawyers and compliance officers in maritime, environmental, or international law should monitor the selection of the BBNJ secretariat location, as it will shape the operationalization and accessibility of this critical international agreement on marine biodiversity and high seas governance, potentially influencing future regulations, scientific cooperation, and resource management frameworks relevant to their clients' interests.

Source: Original reporting via Togo First