Meeting of States Parties to United Nations Convention
The thirty-fifth Meeting of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea took place from June 23 to June 26 at UN Headquarters in New York. During this significant gathering, Nguyen Minh Vu from Vietnam was elected President, while several Vice-Presidents were also appointed. The meeting addressed various administrative matters, including reports from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and discussions on the ongoing vacancy in the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. The outcomes of this meeting are crucial for the future of international maritime law and cooperation.
Leadership Elections and Appointments
The meeting commenced with the election of key leadership positions. Nguyen Minh Vu of Vietnam was elected as President by acclamation, reflecting the support of the member states. Alongside him, Milan Jaya Nyamrajsingh Meetarbhan from Mauritius, David Antonio Giret Soto from Paraguay, Laura McIlhenny from Australia, and Mykola Prytula from Ukraine were elected as Vice-Presidents, also by acclamation. These appointments are vital for steering the discussions and decisions that will shape the future of ocean governance. The leadership team is expected to guide the ongoing work of the Convention and facilitate cooperation among member states on various maritime issues.
Reports and Ongoing Work
The meeting took note of the annual report from the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for 2024. Additionally, the Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority and the Chairperson of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf provided updates on their activities since the previous meeting. John Pangipita from the United Republic of Tanzania, serving as Co-Coordinator of the Open-Ended Working Group, reported on the group’s progress. Following the resignation of Sidney Kemble from the Netherlands, the meeting decided to postpone the appointment of a new Co-Coordinator until the thirty-sixth Meeting of States Parties. This decision allows the Working Group to continue its operations under Pangipita’s coordination for the time being.
Administrative Matters and Budget Considerations
In addressing administrative and budgetary issues, the meeting reviewed the budget reports for the financial periods of 2023 and 2024, along with the external auditor’s report for 2024. The meeting also extended the terms of Indonesia and Canada as member and alternate member of the Tribunal’s staff pension committee for an additional three years, starting January 1, 2026. These discussions are essential for ensuring the Tribunal’s financial health and operational efficiency. The meeting also considered various reports from the Secretary-General regarding issues relevant to the Convention, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue among member states on ocean-related matters.
Future Directions and Ongoing Vacancies
The meeting addressed the ongoing vacancy in the Commission from the Group of Eastern European States, which has remained unfilled since 2015. The Secretary-General will circulate a call for nominations to fill this position, with elections planned for the thirty-sixth Meeting of States Parties in 2026. If no candidates are identified by March 1, 2026, the Group will need to propose a solution for the vacancy. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all member states are adequately represented in the Commission. A detailed report on the proceedings of the thirty-fifth Meeting will be published as document SPLOS/35/11, providing further insights into the discussions and outcomes of this important gathering.
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