The United Nations General Assembly has passed a landmark resolution on Oceans and the Law of the Sea, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to protect the world’s oceans and marine resources. With overwhelming support, the resolution reaffirms the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems and equipping future generations with the tools to safeguard these vital natural resources. Monaco played a pivotal role in ensuring its success, with the Principality’s unwavering commitment to ocean conservation and its active advocacy at the UN serving as a catalyst for the resolution’s passage.
On 12th December, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted four new resolutions, including one entitled Oceans and the Law of the Sea. This resolution reaffirms the unified framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, highlights global efforts for ocean preservation and sets out strategies to empower future generations to safeguard marine biodiversity and natural resources.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support: 152 votes in favour, one against and two abstentions.
Monaco played a key role in championing this resolution, with Jérémie Adlerfligel, Third Secretary at the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the UN, addressing the General Assembly earlier in the week. In his remarks, Adlerfligel underscored the Principality’s enduring commitment to ocean conservation and highlighted several significant actions taken by Monaco during the course of 2024.
Among these efforts was Monaco’s ratification of the BBNJ Agreement in May—a crucial international treaty focused on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. Adlerfligel’s speech also recognised the invaluable contributions of Monaco’s scientific and environmental organisations to ocean conservation, including the Monaco Scientific Centre, the Oceanographic Institute and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which have all been instrumental in advancing ocean preservation initiatives.
As preparations continue for the 3rd United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (UNOC3), Monaco’s representatives to the UN have reiterated the Principality’s commitment to tackling the effects of global warming, rising sea levels and the retreat of the cryosphere.
Looking ahead, Monaco has also announced its plans to host the Forum on the Blue Economy and Finance in June 2024. This event aims to highlight the private sector’s pivotal role in financing a sustainable ocean economy.
By supporting the resolution and demonstrating concrete actions, Monaco has once again reaffirmed its leadership and dedication to protecting the world’s oceans, aligning with the growing global call for sustainable stewardship of marine resources.
Read related:
Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Photo via Monaco Communications Department