New York, USA - On March 24, 2025, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, in collaboration with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the UN Office of Legal Affairs, hosted a briefing for delegates on Oceans and the Law of the Sea. The session provided an overview of the legal frameworks governing ocean governance, with a focus on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its related agreements. A total of 85 participants attended the event in person, underscoring the continued interest and importance of ocean governance in multilateral diplomacy.
The programme started with welcoming remarks from Ms. Amy Tianyi Zhao, Projects Lead & Office Manager, on behalf of Head of UNITAR office in New York, Mr. Marco Suazo. She emphasized the importance of this briefing for delegates and the historic ongoing partnership between UNITAR and DOALOS.
Mr. Vladimir Jares, Director of DOALOS, provided a comprehensive overview of the legal framework established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its related agreements. He detailed the Convention's role in governing maritime activities, including the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the management of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory species, and the implementation of Part XI of UNCLOS. Mr. Jares also highlighted the role of UNCLOS institutions, such as the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, in upholding legal certainty in maritime boundary delimitation. He emphasized the enduring relevance of UNCLOS in addressing contemporary ocean governance challenges.
Mr. Dmitry Gonchar, Principal Legal Officer at DOALOS, provided a detailed overview of the various UN-led law of the sea processes. He explained the role of General Assembly resolutions on oceans and sustainable fisheries in shaping international policy and elaborated on key multilateral meetings such as the Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement Review Conference. Mr. Gonchar emphasized the importance of these discussions in fostering cooperation among nations and ensuring the consistent application of international maritime law.
This was followed by an insightful discussion by Ms. Alice Hicuburundi, Principal Legal Officer at DOALOS, focused on capacity-building efforts and trust funds aimed at supporting States in implementing the law of the sea. She outlined the Division's initiatives to provide training and financial assistance, particularly for developing countries, to strengthen their technical expertise in ocean governance. Ms. Hicuburundi highlighted the importance of these programmes in ensuring equitable access to ocean resources and promoting sustainable maritime development.
The session concluded with an engaging Q&A with the participants discussing pressing issues related to ocean governance. In his closing remarks, Mr. Jares emphasized the need for continued dialogue and collaboration in upholding the principles of UNCLOS. UNITAR remains committed to providing diplomats with opportunities to enhance their understanding of critical global issues, including the sustainable management of the world's oceans.
