"Capacity building and the transfer of marine technology: New developments, approaches and challenges"
United Nations, New York
Strengthening Ocean Governance through Capacity-Building: Insights from UNCLOS 25th ICP by two panellist experts from the IOI Governance Training Roster
- Frida M Armas Pfirter, Course Director, IOI Training Programme on Ocean Governance in South America: Challenges and Opportunities, Chile
- Leticia Greyling, representing the International Ocean Institute of Southern Africa (IOI-SA),
(Text provided by the panellists)
Frida M Armas Pfirter
ICP-25 was structured around two main segments: “The role of capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology in underpinning sustainable development: new developments, approaches and challenges” and “Enabling and enhancing capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology through international cooperation and coordination: challenges and opportunities.” The panels featured a balanced mix of legal and scientific approaches, with speakers representing international organizations, NGOs, academia, and national institutions. A significant number of presentations explored various aspects of the BBNJ Agreement as they relate to the theme of the meeting.
In the first segment, Frida M. Armas Pfirter, Judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and Professor at the International Ocean Institute (IOI), addressed the topic: “Bridging the Divide: International Efforts in Ocean Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer for Developing States.” Her presentation traced the evolution of the concepts of capacity-building and marine technology transfer in UNCLOS, its two implementing agreements, and most recently, the BBNJ Agreement. She highlighted how this latest treaty marks a turning point—not only consolidating previous advances—but establishing concrete tools such as a dedicated funding mechanism and a special committee to help overcome persistent implementation barriers.
Judge Armas Pfirter emphasized that the understanding of these concepts has shifted significantly over time. During the 1960s and 1970s, technology transfer was viewed as a means to correct systemic inequalities. Today, however, it is recognized as a prerequisite for the effective implementation of ocean and environmental treaties. Without a basic level of technological capacity, developing States cannot effectively prevent or mitigate transboundary harm—harm that may lead to irreversible environmental degradation and affect all States, regardless of origin. This shared vulnerability has helped make technology transfer a key element of international environmental law.
Since their establishment, the three institutions created under UNCLOS have placed strong emphasis on capacity-building as a central component in achieving the Convention’s goals. This approach has been supported and shaped by academic institutions and international bodies, which contribute through training, research, and policy development.
Judge Armas Pfirter also underscored the role of the International Ocean Institute (IOI), where she has been active for many years. Founded in 1972 by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese, the IOI is a leading independent, non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to training and capacity-building in Ocean Governance. Through its national, regional, and international programs, the IOI offers courses, publishes research, and contributes to shaping ocean governance agendas worldwide.
She concluded by stressing that while much remains to be done in the field of capacity-building and marine technology transfer (CBTMT), every effort—no matter how modest—represents a step forward. Initiatives like the Informal Consultative Process are part of the steady, collective progress toward achieving our common goals.
The Co-Chairs of ICP-25 presented a composite list of issues that could benefit from future attention by the General Assembly in the context of oceans and the law of the sea. This document is available here.
Leticia Greyling
The 25th meeting of the United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP-25), held from 16 to 18 June 2025 in New York, convened under the theme “Advancing the role of marine technology: New developments, approaches and challenges.”
Delegates explored how emerging technologies and innovation could contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources, while also addressing persistent inequalities in access, capacity, and infrastructure. Numerous country statements underscored the need for inclusive technology transfer, the importance of capacity-building for developing countries, and the urgency of supporting ocean science as a global public good. Presenters highlighted both state-led initiatives and civil society contributions to ocean observation, data-sharing, and integrated marine management—reaffirming the centrality of cooperation, especially in the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
On the third day of panel discussions, Leticia Greyling, representing the International Ocean Institute of Southern Africa (IOI-SA), delivered a compelling presentation that underscored the pivotal role of capacity-building in ocean governance. Her session, titled "Enhancing Ocean Governance through Capacity-Building: Lessons from IOI-SA," resonated well with delegates as it addressed systemic challenges such as institutional disparities, resource constraints, and the imperative of inclusive participation. Leticia’s presentation emphasised successful strategies employed by IOI-SA to bolster capacity-building efforts, advocating for interdisciplinary education, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable partnerships as cornerstones of effective governance. By sharing actionable recommendations, she highlighted the importance of equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate complex marine governance landscapes. Her insights contributed to the broader discussions throughout the ICP, enriching dialogue on how international cooperation and coordination can foster more equitable and sustainable management of marine resources.
As IOI continues its mission to promote ocean literacy and global governance excellence, Leticia’s presentation encourages advancing inclusive and effective approaches to ocean stewardship. More details about the UNCLOS ICP meeting, presentations and statements can be found at United Nations Open-ended Informal Consultative Process.
https://www.un.org/depts/los/consultative_process/consultative_process.htm
https://www.un.org/depts/los/consultative_process/icp25/ICP25PanelProgramme.pdf