Belgium and Chile have been working intensively in several areas of the preparatory work towards COP1. Among these important areas, both countries have led together a proposal on the operationalization of the institutional arrangements of the Agreement.
In line with this fruitful cooperation, Belgium and Chile have decided to join their candidatures for hosting the Secretariat, also as a contribution to facilitate an effective decision at COP1.
This joint candidature provides for the Secretariat being based in the city of Valparaíso, Chile, from which its main functions will be delivered as expressed in the BBNJ Agreement, including the operationalization of the financial mechanism.
The Secretariat will manage the Clearing House Mechanism, of which the physical and technical infrastructure will be installed in and operating from Brussels.
Both countries also offer to provide continuity in the organization of the meetings of the Subsidiary Bodies, and in this context, they will make use of the major diplomatic hub Brussels as host city, consistent with the respective decisions by the COP.
Belgium and Chile will continue working together to contribute to the success of the BBNJ Agreement, in collaboration with all Parties and observers.
Santiago / Brussels, 6 November 2026