Commission on Limits of Continental Shelf Concludes Sixty-Fifth Session
The Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf recently concluded its sixty-fifth session at United Nations Headquarters in New York, running from October 20 to November 21. This session focused on the scientific and technical evaluation of various submissions related to the continental shelf. Notably, ten submissions from countries including Palau, Portugal, and Mexico were reviewed, with high-level delegations participating to emphasize the significance of the Commission’s work. Looking ahead, the Commission is set to hold three additional sessions in 2026, pending approval from the General Assembly.
During the sixty-fifth session, the Commission dedicated its efforts to the scientific and technical assessment of ten submissions from different coastal states. These submissions included requests from Palau, Portugal, Spain, Namibia, Mozambique, Mexico, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Denmark, as well as revised submissions from Brazil and the Russian Federation. The Commission’s subcommissions engaged with delegations from these countries to discuss the details of their submissions. Notably, the Russian Federation’s delegation was led by Minister Alexander Kozlov, highlighting the importance of these discussions. The absence of plenary meetings during this session allowed for focused internal exchanges among Commission members on relevant scientific and technical topics.
Future Sessions Scheduled
The Commission has outlined its schedule for three upcoming sessions in 2026, pending General Assembly approval. The sixty-sixth session is planned for February 9 to March 13, with plenary meetings occurring from February 9 to 13 and March 2 to 6. Following that, the sixty-seventh session is set for July 6 to August 7, with plenary parts from July 6 to 10 and July 27 to 31. Finally, the sixty-eighth session will take place from October 19 to November 20, without plenary meetings. These sessions will continue the Commission’s critical work in evaluating submissions related to the outer limits of continental shelves.
Role and Function of the Commission
Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Commission plays a vital role in advising coastal states on the establishment of their continental shelf limits beyond 200 nautical miles. The recommendations made by the Commission are based on scientific data provided by the states and are final and binding. In cases where a coastal state disagrees with the Commission’s recommendations, it is required to submit a revised or new proposal within a reasonable timeframe. The Commission operates under strict procedural rules, holding private meetings unless decided otherwise. The executive summaries of all submissions are publicly accessible, ensuring transparency in the Commission’s work.
Composition and Funding of the Commission
The Commission comprises 21 experts in geology, geophysics, or hydrography, elected for five-year terms to ensure equitable geographical representation. Currently, one seat remains vacant due to a lack of nominations from Eastern European states. The financial responsibilities for Commission members are borne by the state that nominated them, while a voluntary trust fund supports the participation of members from developing countries. The Secretary-General convenes the sessions with full conference services, subject to General Assembly approval, which also addresses other relevant matters concerning the Commission’s operations. For more information on the Commission’s work, interested parties can visit the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea’s website.
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