AV

DOALOS | UNITAR Training Programmes

Briefings for Delegates- DOALOS and the programming for delegates at the United Nations Secretariat.

Introduction to ocean affairs and law of the sea: Key concepts and processes (21 March, 10:00am-1:00pm, CR-11)

Programme here
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.

The briefing 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.

Key objectives:

  • Enhance understanding of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and its implementing Agreements
  • Describe the various ocean-related General Assembly processes, including their scope, objectives and current areas of focus
  • Expand knowledge on ocean affairs within the United Nations System, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Introduction to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and related processes (postponed, new date 15 May, 10:00am-1:00pm, CR-11)

Register . Programme here
The 1995 United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) is an implementing agreement to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that aims at ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of straddling fish stocks and highly migratory fish stocks. It provides an international legally binding framework for the conservation and management of the world’s most commercially significant high seas fish stocks, including through regional fisheries management organizations. The full and effective implementation of this Agreement is thus vital to achieving the fisheries-related commitments undertaken in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The brefing will serve to inform participants about the international legal framework for sustainable fisheries in UNCLOS and UNFSA, including the role of flag States, coastal States and regional fisheries management organizations. Detailed information will also be provided regarding the various fisheries related processes at United Nations Headquarters, including the Informal Consultations of States Parties to the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement, the Review Conference on the United Nations Fish Stocks Agreement and the informal consultations on the draft General Assembly resolution on sustainable fisheries.

Key objectives:

  • Enhance understanding of the key provisions of UNCLOS and UNFSA for the conservation and management of marine living resources
  • Draw attention to the fisheries-related commitments of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
  • Facilitate engagement with the United Nations processes on sustainable fisheries

President of the UnitedNations General Assembly Fellowship Programme- DOALOS collaborates with to provide ocean affairs and the law of the sea training

The President of the General Assembly Fellowship Programme aims to promote youth engagement in multilateralism and support the next generation of diplomats.The Fellowship will bring to New York a small group of young diplomats and civil servants from developing countries, particularly from Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS), while also ensuring geographical representation and gender balance. Fellows will be attached on a rotational basis with the teams of the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA) – AV and Security; Human Rights and Humanitarian; Sustainable Development; Reform, Legal and Budget; and Communication and Media.

(photo: 2023 PGA Fellows in DOALOS lecture)