Heads of State, Foreign Ministers, and other high-ranking representatives from around the world are converging to endorse multilateral treaties, which are the foundation of international legal frameworks.
David Nanopoulos, Chief of the Treaty Section at the UN Office for Legal Affairs (OLA), stressed the importance of multilateral treaties in achieving the objectives outlined in the UN Charter. These treaties play a vital role in promoting international cooperation and addressing global challenges.
The recent success in reversing ozone depletion, attributed to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, highlights the effectiveness of such multilateral agreements. Mr. Nanopoulos emphasized that universal participation in these treaties is crucial for their success, as it ensures widespread commitment to their goals.
This year, two significant treaties are in the spotlight. The first is the Convention on the International Effects of Judicial Sales of Ships, which focuses on trade and has already been signed by 15 nations. This treaty aims to strengthen international law related to the sale of ships.
The second landmark treaty is the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, commonly known as the BBNJ treaty or high seas treaty. This treaty, which was agreed upon in June after nearly two decades of negotiations, enhances the legal framework for conserving and sustainably using marine biodiversity in more than two-thirds of the world’s oceans.
In addition to these treaties, there are others open for signature that address various issues, including the environment, human rights, disarmament, and the fight against transnational organized crime.
The Treaty Event, established in 2000 by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, takes advantage of the UN General Assembly’s annual high-level week to garner global leader support for multilateral treaties and the rule of law. This initiative has been highly successful, resulting in over 2,000 treaty actions secured.
As the custodian of multilateral treaties, the UN Secretary-General plays a crucial role in their administration. This role involves ensuring transparency and facilitating cooperation among Member States, thereby upholding international law and principles of diplomacy.
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