2 April 2013: The Chair of the High Level Committee on Programmes (HLCP), UN System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB), Achim Steiner, on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, has invited UN Member States and Specialized Agencies to submit names for possible nomination to the Ocean Compact Advisory Group (OCAG), and specified selection criteria. The call is open until 15 April 2013.

The Oceans Compact aims to strengthen UN system-wide coherence in delivering on its oceans-related mandates, while promoting the engagement of all stakeholders to address challenges in protecting and restoring the health and productivity of the oceans. Its strategic vision is consistent with the outcome document of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD, or Rio+20), in which countries agreed on measures to protect the oceans and promote sustainable development. The Compact is expected to produce a results-oriented Action Plan.

According to Steiner’s letter, the purpose of OCAG is to provide advice on the content of the Action Plan and on implementing the Compact, such as by addressing financing and other practical issues, and not on policy directions. The Advisory Group will comprise 20 to 30 members, including approximately 10-15 government representatives and 10-15 high-level policy-makers, scientists, ocean experts of recognized standing, private sector representatives, and representatives of NGOs and civil society organizations. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will provide secretarial assistance to the Advisory Group.

The Oceans Compact was launched at a side event during the Yeosu International Conference, Republic of Korea, on 12 August 2012, held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening for signature of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). [UNESCO Press Release] [Call for Nominations] [IOC UNESCO Webpage on Oceans Compact] [HLCP Chair’s Letter] [IISD RS Story on Creation of Oceans Compact]