States Parties to United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea Announce Policy Actions
The thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is set to take place at the United Nations Headquarters from June 23 to June 27, 2025. Due to the ongoing liquidity crisis affecting the UN Secretariat, the conference services for the afternoon session on June 27 have been canceled, with the meeting concluding by 1 p.m. This gathering will address key reports and administrative matters related to the Convention, including the election of new Commission members and budgetary considerations.
Agenda Highlights and Reports
During the thirty-fifth Meeting, representatives from three key bodies established by the Convention will present their annual activity reports. These bodies include the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority, and the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The meeting will also delve into administrative and budgetary issues concerning the Tribunal, specifically focusing on the financial reports for 2023 and 2024, as well as the external auditor’s findings for the 2024 financial period. Additionally, the meeting will address the nomination of a member and an alternate member to the Tribunal’s staff pension committee.
Election of Commission Members
A significant item on the agenda is the election of new members to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The list of candidates is documented in SPLOS/35/8, while the curriculum vitae of the nominated candidates can be found in SPLOS/35/CRP.1. The procedures for the election will be outlined in document SPLOS/35/7. This election is crucial for ensuring that the Commission continues to function effectively and represents the interests of all States Parties involved.
Appointment of Co-Coordinator and Secretary-General Reports
The meeting will also address the need to appoint a new Co-Coordinator for the Open-Ended Working Group on the Conditions of Service of Members of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, following the resignation of Sidney Kemble from the Netherlands. This appointment will be made on behalf of developed States. Furthermore, the Secretary-General’s reports on oceans and the law of the sea, submitted in accordance with Article 319 of the Convention, will be reviewed. These reports are detailed in documents A/79/340 and A/80/70.
Background of the Convention
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea was opened for signature on December 10, 1982, and entered into force on November 16, 1994. Often referred to as the “constitution for the oceans,” the Convention comprises 320 articles and nine annexes. It establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing various activities in the oceans, including navigational rights, maritime limits, marine scientific research, and resource management. The Convention plays a vital role in promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations, aligning with the principles of justice and equal rights, and contributing to the sustainable development of the oceans and seas. For more information on the upcoming meeting and related documents, interested parties can visit the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea’s official website.
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