Part III Human Health and Human Rights, 14 Global Ocean Governance: The Work of UNCTAD

This chapter discusses the work of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in the area of global ocean governance. UNCTAD is the leading agency of the United Nations in the integrated treatment of trade and development as well as interrelated issues of finance, technology, investment and sustainable development. The chapter first provides a brief historical account of UNCTAD before discussing its role in ocean governance, with a focus on international maritime transport law and policy. It then considers UNCTAD policy research and advice with respect to carriage of goods and international trade law; admiralty law, marine insurance and general average; maritime and supply-chain security; and climate change and maritime transport. The chapter also reviews UNCTAD’s future prospects in terms of ocean governance, role in the governance of trade in fish, and the new UNCTAD XIV mandate.