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First Meeting of Conference of Parties to BBNJ Agreement Scheduled for January 2027 in New York

First Meeting of Conference of Parties to BBNJ Agreement Scheduled for January 2027 in New York

The first meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-1) to the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is scheduled to take place from January 11 to January 22, 2027. This significant event will be held at the UN Headquarters in New York. The BBNJ Agreement officially entered into force on January 17, 2026. The primary agenda for this inaugural meeting will involve addressing crucial institutional, procedural, and financial matters related to the implementation and operationalization of the agreement. This conference marks a pivotal step in global efforts to protect and sustainably manage marine biodiversity in areas outside national jurisdiction, often referred to as the high seas.
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Indonesian Nickel Smelters Reassess Output Targets Amid Price Volatility and Chinese Investment Influence

Indonesian Nickel Smelters Reassess Output Targets Amid Price Volatility and Chinese Investment Influence

Indonesian Nickel Smelters Reassess Output Targets Amid Price Volatility and Chinese Investment Influence
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Thailand Halts 49 Data Center Projects Amid Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

Thailand Halts 49 Data Center Projects Amid Environmental and Regulatory Concerns

Thailand Halts 49 Data Center Projects Amid Environmental and Regulatory Concerns
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UN Working Group Continues Negotiations on Business and Human Rights Treaty Amidst Divisions

UN Working Group Continues Negotiations on Business and Human Rights Treaty Amidst Divisions

The UN Open-Ended Intergovernmental Working Group concluded its twelfth session in Geneva from October 12 to 16, 2026, continuing negotiations on a proposed legally binding instrument concerning transnational corporations and other business enterprises with respect to human rights. The discussions focused on provisions related to international cooperation, institutional arrangements, implementation, definitions, and the treaty's scope. The Chair-Rapporteur, Marcelo Vázquez Bermúdez of Ecuador, introduced suggested reformulations for 22 selected provisions to facilitate negotiations. A significant point of contention remains the scope of the instrument, with some delegations, including Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Egypt, advocating for a narrower focus on transnational corporations, while others support broader coverage of all business activities. Questions regarding legal liability and jurisdiction also remain central, with some states emphasizing consistency with international law and national judicial so...
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Experts Advocate for Enhanced International Cooperation in Sustainable Ocean Economy and Governance

Experts Advocate for Enhanced International Cooperation in Sustainable Ocean Economy and Governance

Experts from various countries convened at the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance in Sanya, China, to call for stronger international collaboration in maritime security, fisheries, and marine conservation. Discussions highlighted the ocean's critical role in global trade, food production, and coastal livelihoods. The global ocean economy generated $3.5 trillion in gross value added in 2025 and supported 103 million full-time-equivalent jobs, according to an OECD report. Global trade in ocean-related goods and services reached approximately $2.5 trillion in 2025, with services accounting for 58% of the total, as per UNCTAD data from June 2026. Jayanath Colombage, former chief of the Navy of Sri Lanka and former ambassador to Indonesia, emphasized the evolving nature of maritime security, now encompassing cyberspace, undersea cables, satellites, and outer space. The importance of international cooperation was a recurring theme, with experts stressing that efforts to protect the...
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FDA Refuses Entry of Antibiotic-Contaminated Shrimp, Raising Concerns About Third-Party Certifications

FDA Refuses Entry of Antibiotic-Contaminated Shrimp, Raising Concerns About Third-Party Certifications

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has refused 71 shrimp entry lines year-to-date in 2026 due to contamination with banned antibiotics. In October 2026 alone, eight shrimp entry lines were refused for veterinary drug residues. A significant finding is that 73% of these refused shrimp shipments originated from facilities holding Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certifications, a program operated by the Global Seafood Alliance. These BAP-certified facilities are located in six different countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. The highest number of refusals came from India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. This trend has prompted questions regarding the effectiveness of third-party certification audits in detecting the use of banned veterinary drugs at farms and processing plants. The Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee had previously requested information from the Global Seafood Alliance in May 2026 concerning its certification programs, but...
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Taiwan Should Bet on Horror to Crack Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s Biggest Film Market, Study Finds

Taiwan Should Bet on Horror to Crack Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s Biggest Film Market, Study Finds

Horror stands out as a natural meeting ground for Taiwanese and Indonesian producers, according to a K7 Media study of the Indonesian film and TV market presented by Trang Nguyen at Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF) in Taipei. The stakes are considerable. Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and its biggest film market, with box […]
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Global Economy Projected to Reach $227 Trillion by 2040, Reshaping Economic Rankings

Global Economy Projected to Reach $227 Trillion by 2040, Reshaping Economic Rankings

Global Economy Projected to Reach $227 Trillion by 2040, Reshaping Economic Rankings
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Chinese Battery Manufacturers Face Profit Squeeze Amidst European Expansion

Chinese Battery Manufacturers Face Profit Squeeze Amidst European Expansion

Chinese Battery Manufacturers Face Profit Squeeze Amidst European Expansion
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Chinese President Xi Jinping Emphasizes Maritime Power at World Ocean Week

Chinese President Xi Jinping Emphasizes Maritime Power at World Ocean Week

The 2026 World Ocean Week has commenced in Xiamen, China, bringing together international participants to discuss critical marine issues such as deep-sea governance and biodiversity conservation. Chinese President Xi Jinping has consistently highlighted the strategic importance of developing marine technology, fostering a robust marine economy, and expanding international cooperation in maritime affairs. According to CGTN, President Xi views the establishment of China as a strong maritime nation as a crucial step towards achieving the 'great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.' The event serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and project matchmaking through various multilateral cooperation mechanisms, underscoring China's commitment to global marine discussions and its own national maritime ambitions.
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U.S. Projected to Remain Largest Economy by 2040 Amid Shifting Global Economic Landscape

U.S. Projected to Remain Largest Economy by 2040 Amid Shifting Global Economic Landscape

U.S. Projected to Remain Largest Economy by 2040 Amid Shifting Global Economic Landscape
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US escalates economic campaign against Cuba and targets China-based suppliers

US escalates economic campaign against Cuba and targets China-based suppliers

The Trump administration has escalated its economic campaign against Cuba