Un Headquarters News

When developing policies or strategies affecting the ocean, the United Nations system needs to base its work on a solid, scientific foundation.That is provided by GESAMP, a unique independent body administered by International Maritime Organization (IMO)  and which, this week, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.GESAMP is the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection. It is the independent body of experts that advises the United Nations system on both on-going and newly arising marine environmental scientific issues.It's 50th anniversary was celebrated at the UN Headquarters in New York (10 September)…

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretariat is attending the latest in a series of conferences to develop a legally binding international instrument, under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - known as 'BBNJ'.According to the UN body, the 3rd Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) is being held at UN Headquarters in New York, United States (19-30 August). The current Conference session is the third in a series, with the fourth (final session) set to take place in the first half of 2020.The current conference session is discussing the draft treaty text.

Ships plying their trade across the world’s oceans are subject to stringent environmental, safety and security rules, which apply throughout their voyage. The comprehensive regulatory framework developed by International Maritime Organization (IMO) for international shipping has been highlighted during a United Nations oceans conference in New York, United States (4-17 September).A press release from IMO said that  the conference is taking the first steps towards developing a legally binding international instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction - known as ‘BBNJ’.IMO regulations are enforced through a well-established system of flag, coastal and port State control.

Former DNV GL President and CEO, Henrik O. Madsen has presented UN Secretary-General António Guterres with a testimonial attesting to DNV GL's assessment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the UN Headquarters in New York this week. The presentation took place during a Board meeting of UN Global Compact, the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, with over 9000 member companies. The Future of Spaceship Earth report is DNV GL's long term forecast of the state of our planet in 2050. Last September, DNV GL used the forecast to assess the likelihood of humanity achieving the 17 SDGs by 2030. The report identified and prioritized areas for action…

“Do what you can, do it wisely, and most importantly do it now. A healthy ocean is not a luxury item. It is a necessity for survival. And taking care of the ocean means taking care of ourselves,” Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden said. She was addressing the Stockholm Resilience Centre event on “Engaging the private sector in SDG 14” on 9 June, taking place during the Ocean Conference at UN Headquarters in New York. One of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Advocates, the Crown Princess joined the international community during the Conference week to show her dedication and commitment to help save our ocean. Addressing the side event aimed at presenting and discussing the efforts by companies in SeaBOS (Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship)…

To mark World Oceans Day on May 8, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)   named Australian musician Cody Simpson as its first-ever Ocean Advocate to help raise awareness of the crucial role the ocean plays in the health of the planet and people. “I grew up by the ocean and the beach,” said  Simpson during an event held at UN Headquarters in New York. “I want to do everything I can in my own life to protect and preserve the ocean. According to UNDP, Simpson will kick off off his new role as part of The Ocean Conference, which has been under way since Monday and which will wrap up on Friday, 9 June. He will attend a photo exhibition…

As the international community focuses this week on preserving the health of global oceans and seas, the United Nations agencies on agriculture, environment and trade are committing to the sustainable trade of fisheries. The agencies – the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) – are due to announce the commitment today at The Ocean Conference, which opened yesterday at UN Headquarters in New York and wraps up on Friday, 9 June. “Trade and trade-policies can facilitate the transition to sustainable ocean-based economies by increasing resource efficiency, improving the environment, enhancing inclusiveness and creating new green business opportunities,” according to the voluntary commitment.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) is at the high-level UN Summit for Refugees and Migrants being held at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States. A number of IMO treaties include provisions relating to migration by sea. These include SOLAS chapter V on Safety of Navigation, which requires the master of a ship at sea able to provide assistance to persons that are in distress at sea, to do so regardless of the nationality or status of such persons or the circumstances in which they are found. Guidance on the legal framework for rescue at sea has been prepared by IMO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), and UNHCR. IMO has produced a series of three short films examining unsafe mixed migration by sea.

A high-level meeting working on a legal instrument to protect marine biological diversity has heard how International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Maritime Organization (IMO) measures are effectively implemented on the high seas. Biological diversity in the world’s oceans is under threat from many areas today. Climate change, pollution, acidification, seabed mining, over-exploitation of fish stocks and invasive alien species all threaten marine life. The pressures are particularly high in coastal areas, but in the high seas - areas beyond national jurisdiction – although pressures are less, there can be gaps in the legal regime as well as problems surrounding compliance and enforcement.

Mr. Ban announced the appointment of the renowned actor and dedicated environmentalist last week, telling reporters that Mr. DiCaprio's main focus as the Organization's newest Messenger of Peace would be climate change issues. “His global stardom is the perfect match for this global challenge,” said the UN chief. His is expected to join the Secretary-General tomorrow at the Peoples' Climate March through the streets of Manhattan, where reportedly more than 100,000 people are expected to come together to demand leaders take action in advance of Mr. Ban's Climate Summit, which takes place on Tuesday, 23 September. The UN chief has said that measures to cut greenhouse gass emmissions…

Argentine President orders evacuation of sail training ship 'Libertad' leaving skeleton crew aboard in Ghanaian port. The sail-training frigate was detained under a court order obtained by NML Capital, an affiliate of US investment firm Elliot Management, on October 2, 2012. The Argentine Foreign Minister is going immediately to UN Headquarters to meet with the Security Council's president and with various committees with an inerest in human rights, reports the Buenos Aires Herald.

HRH The Prince Consort of Denmark visited the North American headquarters of Maersk in Madison, NJ, today. The Prince Consort met with Chairman and CEO of Maersk Inc. J. Russell Bruner, Chief Financial Officer Maersk North America Morten K. Nicolaisen, President of Maersk Line North America Michael J. White, and President of Damco North America, Jeremy T. Haycock to discuss the history and current activities of A.P. Moller Maersk companies in the U.S. The Prince Consort was escorted by the Deputy Consul General and Head of Trade Thomas Rizk. The purpose of the U.S. visit was to increase focus on trade relations between Denmark and the U.S. and recognition of the importance of the internationally operating Danish companies for the continued development of Denmark.