The work of the General Assembly on oceans and the law of the sea is conceptually and procedurally complex, presenting a challenge for delegates with limited background in the field. This course aims at enhancing the capacity of delegates, in particular delegates from developing States, delegates from small delegations and new delegates, to participate more effectively in relevant work of the General Assembly on ocean-related matters by providing an overview of the legal framework for oceans and law of the sea and a detailed introduction to the work of the General Assembly in this field.

In particular, the course will strengthen participants understanding of the legal framework for oceans and law of the sea set out in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and related instruments. The Convention, often called the “constitution for the oceans”, provides an effective, comprehensive and overarching international legal framework for the oceans and seas. The course will also provide delegations with key information and insights regarding the work of various processes under the Convention and the General Assembly on oceans and the law of the sea. It will cover ocean-related processes of the General Assembly in detail, including the annual resolutions on Oceans and the Law of the Sea and Sustainable Fisheries.