New york: The General Assembly adopted four resolutions concerning the governance of the world’s oceans, highlighting the significant divisions among member states over references to sustainable development conferences in the annual omnibus resolution. This resolution, traditionally supported by consensus, faced a recorded vote this year, reflecting the contentious nature of the discussions.
According to EMM, the Assembly adopted three of the resolutions through recorded votes, including one that was amended at the last minute. The 193-member body concluded its debate on ocean-related items and the law of the sea. The annual omnibus resolution titled “Oceans and the Law of the Sea” (document A/80/L.22) was adopted by a recorded vote of 166 in favor, 1 against (Trkiye), and 4 abstentions (Argentina, Colombia, El Salvador, United States). Historically, this resolution has not required a recorded vote.
The Assembly also approved an amendment (document A/80/L.29) introduced by Brazil, which added language welco
ming the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) held in Belém, Brazil. This amendment passed with a recorded vote of 135 in favor, 3 against (Israel, Tonga, United States), and 24 abstentions. Delegations supporting the amendment emphasized the need to update the text, which was outdated due to a single delegation’s objection during negotiations.
The General Assembly further adopted a resolution titled “Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction” (document A/80/L.13) with 168 votes in favor, 1 against (Russian Federation), and 1 abstention (United States). This resolution welcomed the work of the Preparatory Commission for the 2023 treaty on marine biological diversity and called for the first meeting of the Conference of the Parties by January 2027.
Additionally, the Assembly decided to convene the 2028 United Nations Con
ference to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 in the Republic of Korea in June 2028, adopting this resolution by 169 votes in favor, 2 against (Argentina, United States), and no abstentions. Another resolution, “Sustainable Fisheries” (document A/80/L.17), was adopted without a vote, acknowledging the role of sustainable fisheries in food security, nutrition, and poverty alleviation.
During the preceding debate, Namibia’s representative emphasized the importance of capacity-building for developing nations and expressed strong support for the treaty on marine biodiversity. Fiji’s representative highlighted the ocean’s significance to small island states and stressed the need for active climate governance participation.
Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, updated the Assembly on ongoing cases and the Tribunal’s advisory work. He noted the Tribunal’s contribution to the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change obligations.
Leticia Reis
de Carvalho, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority, reaffirmed the importance of multilateralism and the development of the Mining Code, highlighting the existential need for regulations governing deep-sea resources.
Representatives from various countries, including Singapore, the United States, and Japan, provided explanations of their positions before and after the votes.