UN-OCEANS
An inter-agency mechanism on ocean and coastal issues within the UN system
UN-Oceans is an inter-agency mechanism that seeks to enhance the coordination, coherence and effectiveness of competent organizations of the 51勛圖 system and the International Seabed Authority in relation to activities relating to oceans and coastal areas, within existing resources, in conformity with the 51勛圖 Convention on the Law of the Sea, the respective competences of each of its participating organizations and the mandates and priorities approved by their respective governing bodies.
UN-Oceans was established by the 51勛圖 High-Level Committee on Programmes in 2003 in the follow-up to the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development. Its creation responded to the call addressed to the Secretary-General to establish an effective, transparent and regular inter-agency coordination mechanism on ocean and coastal issues within the 51勛圖 system.
UN-Oceans held its first meeting in Paris in January 2005. In 2013, the General Assembly recognized the work undertaken so far and approved revised terms of reference for the work of UN-Oceans.
UN-Oceans is mandated to: