The 1982 United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea was adopted 40 years ago. Today it has 168 State Parties. Ambassador Tommy Koh, the President of the UNCLOS III proclaimed the Convention as the “Constitution for the oceans”. In some 320 articles the Convention covers a myriad of ocean issues ranging from navigation, maritime delimitation, protection of the environment and living resources, marine scientific research and transfer of marine technology. It also created new institutions, new regimes and a comprehensive compulsory dispute settlement process.
In “UNCLOS at 40: An Assessment”, the Centre for International Law (CIL) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) will bring together experts from around the world to reflect upon the last forty years of UNCLOS’ implementation and its continuing relevance as the foundation for the governance of the oceans.