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IMO

About the committee

The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations which is responsible for measures to improve the safety and security of international shipping and to prevent pollution from ships. The IMO was established following agreement at a UN conference held in Geneva in 1948 and it came into existence ten years later, meeting for the first time on 17 March 1958. As of 2024 it consists of more than 170 Member States and three Associate Members and it also is involved in legal matters, including liability and compensation issues and the facilitation of international maritime traffic. The IMO also plays a crucial role in responding to emerging challenges in the maritime industry. It actively addresses issues such as piracy, maritime terrorism, illegal fishing, and the protection of marine biodiversity. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, the IMO helps countries develop strategies, share best practices, and enhance their capacities to deal with these challenges effectively. Through global initiatives, such as the Global MTCC Network, IMO works with regional partners to develop, execute and enforce maritime environmental goals helping to ensure that no one is left behind in the green maritime transition. The work of IMO is conducted through five committees and these are supported by technical subcommittees. IMO regularly enacts regulations, which are broadly enforced by national and local maritime authorities in member countries.

Agenda Item

Review and Deliberation on the Governance and Demarcation of Continental Shelf Boundaries in Accordance with International Maritime Law

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The continental shelf is the area covering the seabed and subsoil extending beyond the territorial waters of a country, and the resources in these areas are of great economic importance. However, the delimitation of continental shelf boundaries and the equitable sharing of these resources are controversial in international law and among states. In particular, when the continental shelves of neighboring countries overlap, sovereignty claims over these areas cause disputes. This situation creates tensions between countries, both in terms of economic interests and political sovereignty, and has made international cooperation and the maintenance of peace difficult. The inadequacy of current treaties and articles to resolve disputes over countries' continental shelves, and conflicts between countries, indicate that changes are needed to existing maritime laws and specifications on the continental shelves. Delegates in this committee will seek diplomatic solutions, taking into account the problems and historical background of maritime disputes.

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