22 March 2024, New York, USA - First Briefing Session
22 March 2024, New York, USA - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) New York Office, in collaboration with the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea (DOALOS), hosted a comprehensive briefing for delegates on oceans and the law of the sea at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The event aimed to enhance the understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and its related agreements among member states.
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The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel, and Mr. Marco Suazo, Head of the UNITAR New York Office. They emphasized the importance of maritime law and the sustainable management of ocean resources.
The first session provided an in-depth overview of the UNCLOS framework. Facilitated by Mr. Vladimir Jares, Director of DOALOS, the session covered key aspects of the convention, including agreements on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction, and the management of straddling and highly migratory fish stocks.
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Following this, the briefing delved into the various processes and resolutions related to the law of the sea within the UN framework. Mr. Dmitry Gonchar and Ms. Alice Hicuburundi, Principal Legal Officers at DOALOS, led this discussion. They covered General Assembly resolutions on oceans and sustainable fisheries, the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA), and the Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment.
Shortly after, Ms Alice Hicuburundi presented a brief session focused on capacity-building initiatives and trust funds managed by DOALOS to assist member states in implementing maritime law.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, providing an opportunity for delegates to engage with the experts and clarify their queries on various aspects of the law of the sea. The closing remarks were delivered by Mr. Vladimir Jares, Director of DOALOS, reiterating the significance of global cooperation in maritime governance.
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UNITAR
9 May 2024, New York, USA - Second Briefing Session
UNITAR New York Office and DOALOS held another briefing session, focusing on the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and sustainable fisheries processes. The session, facilitated by Mr Dmitry Gonchar, Mr François Bailet, Mr Michele Ameri, and Mr Bart Smit Duijzentkunst, provided detailed insights into the international legal framework for sustainable fisheries under UNCLOS and UNFSA. Discussions included the role of flag States, coastal States, and regional fisheries management organizations in ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of high-seas fish stocks. The session also addressed various fisheries-related processes at the United Nations Headquarters, including the Informal Consultations of States Parties to the UNFSA and the Review Conference on the Agreement.
Additionally, UNITAR and DOALOS announced future briefings scheduled for October 2024, continuing their efforts to educate and inform delegates on critical maritime issues.
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