​Human activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) are increasing in type, scale and intensity, having the potential to negatively impact marine biodiversity in this vast area of the marine realm. Area-based planning is one way in which sectors operating in ABNJ can spatially plan their activities, yet such plans are often sector-specific and do not take into account the activities of other sectors. Marine spatial planning (MSP) is a type of area-based planning that is well-established in national waters but does not currently occur in ABNJ. It can be used to achieve ecological, social and economic objectives. This report showcases a MSP framework for ABNJ, for the purposes of conserving and sustainably using biodiversity. It considers the framework under different governance scenarios, highlighting how an international legally binding instrument would aid undertaking MSP in ABNJ.