22 nations sign key international treaties at UN General Assembly event
Global leaders gather in New York as the annual UN Treaty Event highlights major international agreements on cybercrime and high-seas biodiversity.
Nations have reaffirmed their support for international treaties at the annual Treaty Event on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly high-level week.
Organised for more than 25 years by the UN Office of Legal Affairs, the four-day event allows states to join any of more than 600 treaties deposited with the secretary-general.
One head of state, one head of government, 17 ministers and three other officials from 22 countries took part.
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The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime received 13 signatures, establishing the first global framework for co-operation against cybercrime, including the sharing of electronic evidence and protection of victims.
The high-seas biodiversity agreement, known as BBNJ, reached 101 ratifications after entering into force earlier this year.
Parties will next meet in New York in January 2027 for the first Conference of the Parties.
UN legal counsel Elinor Hammarskjöld said states had reaffirmed international law as a way to face global challenges and that the UN was ready to support parties at the 2027 meeting.
States also took action on disarmament, human rights, the environment and consular relations.
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