The main objective of the meeting is to review and approve the updated Regional Seas Strategic Directions (RSSD 2026- 2029) as a collaborative global platform to support the effective delivery of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAPs) in the new momentum created at global, regional and national levels for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in particular Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) and other global relevant commitments at UNOC-3.

The meeting is being held at a time when the new UNEP Medium-Term Strategy (MTS) 2026 – 2029 is under preparation. This creates another momentum to maximize synergies and interactions for strengthening the global regional seas programme, implementation of UNEA Resolution 6/15 and contribution to address the triple planetary crisis, pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.

The meeting is expected to provide opportunities for exchange of views and strengthening partnerships to deliver an enhanced ocean governance agenda. In this respect, a joint session of regional seas and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) will be organized under the Sustainable Ocean Initiative (SOI) Global Dialogue together with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The expected outcome of the meeting will be the approval of the RSSD 2026–2029, the endorsement of an official statement by the RSCAPs coordinators and executive secretaries for submission to the UNOC3 panel on the regional and subregional collaboration , and the identification of practical strategies to strengthen partnerships and mobilize resources, enabling Member States to effective implementation.