6 April 2026, New York, USA - On 30 March 2026, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Singapore to the United Nations, convened a timely hybrid briefing for delegates on Multilateralism in Practice. Held in person at UN Headquarters and livestreamed via UN WebTV, the session brought together approximately 480 participants across both in-person and virtual audiences. 

The briefing aimed to provide delegates with practical insights into the dynamics of complex multilateral negotiations, while strengthening their capacity to engage effectively in ongoing and future processes within the United Nations system. As part of its mandate, UNITAR continues to play a key role in equipping diplomats and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate multilateral diplomacy.

The briefing featured Ambassador Rena Lee, Singapore's Ambassador for International Law, who drew on her experience chairing the negotiations of the landmark Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement. In her remarks, she highlighted the importance of trust-building, inclusivity, and adaptability in managing diverse perspectives and advancing consensus over the course of the five-year negotiation process. Opening the briefing, H.E. Mr. Burhan Gafoor, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Singapore to the United Nations, underscored the continued relevance of multilateralism in addressing complex global challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained cooperation and shared commitment among Member States. The interactive discussion that followed allowed participants to engage directly with these insights, raising questions on both the substance of the agreement and the realities of implementation.

The briefing also sought to highlight the significance of the BBNJ Agreement as a major advancement in the governance of the global commons, particularly in the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. As the Agreement enters into force, the session provided a timely platform to reflect on practical next steps and the role of Member States in ensuring its effective implementation. 

Overall, the briefing reinforced the value of multilateralism in delivering concrete outcomes and contributed to strengthening delegates’ readiness to navigate complex negotiations and policy processes within the United Nations system.