Global experts convene in Doha for 12th ABLOS conference

Doha, Qatar: The 12th Conference of the Advisory Board on the Law of the Sea (ABLOS) began yesterday in Doha with the event attracting several experts and participants from around the world.

The conference is exploring how the global legal framework for ocean activities under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) responds to emerging challenges, and to identify where updates may be needed.

The two-day conference, held under the auspices of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and the International Association of Geodesy (IAG), has the theme “Is UNCLOS Fit for Purpose in Modern Times: Achievements, Challenges, and Future Pathways.” The event unites prominent experts, scholars, and representatives from international and regional marine and ocean affairs organizations to investigate deficiencies in the existing legal framework and suggest future reform pathways.

In his opening address, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Convention on the Law of the Sea, H E Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi, remarked that Qatar’s hosting of the conference highlights the robust and productive collaboration between the Standing Committee and ABLOS, which commenced in 2012 after the Committee’s involvement in the ABLOS working meeting and annual conference held in Seoul, South Korea.

He pointed out that Qatar had previously hosted the conference in October 2017.

Dr. Al Hammadi underscored Qatar’s enduring partnership with ABLOS, which includes not only consistent participation in ABLOS meetings and conferences but also significant support in advancing the Board’s scientific endeavors. He mentioned that, with ABLOS’ consent, the Standing Committee translated the ABLOS “Guide on the Technical Aspects of the Law of the Sea (TALOS)” into Arabic.

This initiative, he noted, addresses a gap in Arabic-language academic resources and offers practitioners and researchers throughout the Arab world a valuable scientific reference. He also emphasised that maintaining the rule of law on an international scale is of paramount importance to the State of Qatar, especially concerning its critical interests such as sovereignty and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Doha’s commitment to initiatives that foster respect for international law.

Dr. Al Hammadi also noted that at the previous ABLOS meeting in Brazil, Qatar had the honour of proposing the main theme for this year’s conference. He remarked that the challenges under discussion cannot be resolved overnight, as they require sustained effort over many years. He affirmed the commitment to push forward on reform pathways.

In her keynote address, Principal Legal Advisor of the UN DUALOS/OLA, Alice Hicuburundi, emphasised one of UNCLOS’s key strengths: its flexibility. The Convention provides States with a general legal framework that can evolve as new issues arise — from maritime zone delimitation, supported by IHO standards, to the growing challenges posed by climate change, sea level rise, and the resulting shifts in baselines.

On the scientific side, President of IAG Richard Gross shared how satellite observations reveal changes in ice coverage — particularly in Greenland — and their measurable contribution to sea level rise. Director of IHO Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi highlighted how autonomous and uncrewed systems, AI, drones, and advanced observation platforms are transforming the way we map, monitor, and operate in the ocean. These technologies offer tremendous opportunities for innovation, safety, and knowledge — but also raise important questions of responsibility, security, and governance in an evolving geopolitical and environmental context.

This year marks a milestone for the community — the first-ever ABLOS Conference held outside Monaco, with 280 participants attending the opening ceremony in Doha. The ABLOS business meeting and conference are hosted by the Qatari Standing Committee of the Convention on the Law of the Sea.