International Policy: United Nations General Assembly

Article Read time:
International Policy: United Nations General Assembly

Today, 13 percent of the world's land areas are protected, but less than one percent of global marine areas are, leaving these ecosystems exposed and vulnerable to threats. Further, there is almost no protection of marine ecosystems and biodiversity occurring in deeper waters on the continental shelves and in the international waters of the high seas.

It is crucial that international leaders cooperate to ensure stronger conservation measures are implemented and enforced to guarantee the long term sustainability of marine species and the health of ocean ecosystems. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of marine fisheries, particularly for those in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Comprised of all 193 Members, the UNGA is the main representative and policymaking organ of the United Nations. Through its Plenary and Committee work, the Assembly considers a number of resolutions relating to Oceans and the Law of the Sea, sustainable fisheries and other issues concerning the conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystems. Additionally, it oversees the work of a number of processes designed to facilitate multilateral discussions on ocean issues.

The Pew Environment Group has official observer status at the UN, where we offer fact-based, nonpartisan scientific research and expertise in order to aid decision makers in designing and adopting management mechanisms and policy decisions that will ensure sustainability. The Pew Environment Group works with government representatives within the UN to achieve successes for marine conservation and looks to the UN to provide international coordination and oversight for strengthened high seas governance.

Find out more about our international policy work.

Helpful Resources
America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up

MORE FROM PEW

An aerial view of a vast wetland, with scattered vegetation visible on sandy islands. In Western Australia, a Conservation Model for the World
A presentation being given by a businesswoman to a group of participants at a business conference. Four Plan Features Can Boost 'Retirement Readiness'
A large group of people in formal or traditional attire stands together on a stage, with a digital background depicting marine life and the large text “WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.” WTO Needs to Redouble Its Effort on Fishing Subsidies
A man in a winter hat and sunglasses kneels on a rocky shoreline in front of a campfire, holding a metal mug with gloved hands. Behind him, in the water, a motorboat is moored to the shore. Cliffs rise on both sides of the water. Why Newfoundland’s South Coast Fjords Are Sacred
Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics
Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?

Pills illustration
Pills illustration

What Is Antibiotic Resistance—and How Can We Fight It?

Sign up for our four-week email series The Race Against Resistance.
Quick View
Pills illustration

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, also known as “superbugs,” are a major threat to modern medicine. But how does resistance work, and what can we do to slow the spread? Read personal stories, expert accounts, and more for the answers to those questions in our four-week email series: Slowing Superbugs.