The Global Environment Facility (GEF), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) and Global Ocean Forum (GOF) project on ‘Strengthening Global Capacity to Effectively Manage Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (ABNJ)' is organizing the 2016 ABNJ Regional Leaders Program to strengthen the capacity of leaders from small island developing States (SIDS) and developing countries to address ABNJ resources and issues and to more effectively participate in global and regional ABNJ discussions. Selected leaders will participate in the first session of the Preparatory Committee to establish an international binding instrument under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in ABNJ. Participants will also discuss global and regional ABNJ policy frameworks and processes and issues related to biodiversity conservation and fisheries. Eight leaders will be selected to participate.  

dates: 21 March – 2 April 2016  
venue: UN Headquarters  
location: New York City, US  
contact: Miriam Balgos  
e-mail: miriambalgos@globaloceans.org  
www: http://www.commonoceans.org/calendar/calendar-detail/en/c/378910/