10 February 2026, New York, United States - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research, in partnership with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS) of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs, successfully organized a briefing for delegates on the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and Sustainable Fisheries Processes at the United Nations. The briefing took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and gathered over 50 delegates of Member States to strengthen knowledge and awareness of the international legal and policy framework governing fisheries and marine resources.

The event opened with welcoming remarks by Mr. Dmitry Gonchar, Principal Legal Officer at DOALOS, who highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation and capacity-building in support of the conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources. He underscored the critical role of the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement in promoting responsible fisheries management and ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

The first substantive session introduced the law of the sea framework for sustainable fisheries. Participants received an overview of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its implementing agreements, with particular attention to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, led by Mr. Michele Ameri, Legal Officer at the Office of Legal Affairs, DOALOS. The presentation emphasized the principles of cooperation, science-based management, and the precautionary approach in the conservation and management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks.

The second session focused on key fisheries instruments and bodies of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), led by Dr. Elizabeth Rose Amidjogbe, Legal Consultant at the FAO Legal Office. Participants explored practical challenges and opportunities related to implementation, monitoring, and compliance.

The briefing also provided an overview of ongoing sustainable fisheries processes at the United Nations, including intergovernmental dialogue and cooperation aimed at strengthening global fisheries governance. The session enabled delegates to better understand current priorities, emerging issues, and avenues for engagement in relevant United Nations fora.

A dedicated segment on capacity-building and trust funds led by Mr. Francois Bailet, Senior Legal Officer at the Office of Legal Affairs, DOALOS, presented available mechanisms to support developing countries in implementing international fisheries obligations. The session highlighted the importance of technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, and financial support to ensure inclusive and effective participation in global ocean governance.

Through this collaboration, UNITAR and DOALOS reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening the knowledge and skills of diplomats and practitioners working on ocean affairs and the law of the sea. The partnership contributes to advancing effective multilateralism and supports Member States in addressing pressing challenges related to sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine biodiversity.