The Convention on Biological Diversity officially takes effect.

The agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea came into effect on the 17th. UN Secretary-General Guterres issued a statement that day, calling it a "historic achievement." The statement said that the Biodiversity Agreement established the first legal framework for the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The international community now has "binding" global rules to fairly share the benefits of marine genetic resources, establish and implement marine protected areas, conduct rigorous environmental impact assessments, and provide capacity building and technical support to countries in need.