UN Secretary-General stresses importance of UNCLOS
The adoption by most nations of the world of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 40 years ago, was a “vital step to bring governance and order” to the vast collective treasure that is the ocean, said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres (File photo: Xinhua/VNA)
New York (VNA) - The adoption by mostnations of the world of the United Nations Convention on the Lawof the Sea (UNCLOS) 40years ago, was a “vital step to bring governance and order” to the vastcollective treasure that is the ocean, said UN Secretary-General AntónioGuterres.
He made the remark while addressing aUN General Assembly meeting marking the 40th anniversary of theadoption of UNCLOS in New York on December 8.
“The ocean is life.The ocean is livelihoods and the ocean binds humanity together across historyand cultures”, he noted, adding that the convention now is morerelevant than ever as the ocean is in dire straits.
Guterres pointed out that around 35% of the world’s fisheries are beingover-exploited, sea levels are rising as the climate crisis continues, and the oceanis acidifying and choked with pollution. Coral reefs are bleaching, “epicfloods” threaten coastal cities everywhere, and too often, “people workingin ocean-based industries are not accessing the support or safe workingconditions they need and deserve.”
Greater ambition isneeded, he told the meeting, and the anniversary should be “animportant reminder to continue using this critical instrument to tackletoday’s challenges.”
The UN chief saidthe recently adopted Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies needed to be adoptedswiftly, ensuring that all policies towards the ocean are “underpinned by thebest science, and the best economic and social expertise.”
UNCLOS was adoptedby 107 parties, including Vietnam, on December 10, 1982. It officially enteredinto force on November 16, 1994 and became one of the most importantinternational agreements in the 20th century. It has been ratifiedby 168 parties so far./.
Experts in a recent TV talk show underscored the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and Vietnam’s engagement in this deal.
The 8th Ocean Dialogue took place in Hanoi on June 29 under the theme “40th Anniversary of UNCLOS: Promoting maritime cooperation in Southeast Asia”, drawing more than 150 direct and 100 online participants, including 15 speakers from 14 countries and territories, and representatives from the UN.
Since becoming a signatory to UNCLOS 1982, Vietnam has remained a responsible member and has made significant efforts to endorse and implement its provisions, according to an article posted on Fulcrum.sg, a website of Singapore.
Implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and other international instruments to address emerging maritime issues has been the focus of a workshop in Hanoi on November 30 and December 1.
An international conference was held in Hanoi on December 8 to mark 40 years since the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
VAMAF President Datuk Shaharuddin Omar shared the plan at the association’s 103rd anniversary ceremony, noting support from the Vietnam Veterans Association. The initiative is expected to open new markets for Malaysian Halal products and improve livelihoods for its members.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres (File photo: Xinhua/VNA) 
