UNCLOS: A foundation for maritime order and stability
WVR - On October 8, in an interview with The World and Vietnam Report on the sidelines of the 18th International Conference on the East Sea (internationally known as South China Sea), Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi, Senior Legal Adviser on International Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, said that the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), often described as the “constitution for the oceans”, marked a major milestone in the global security architecture.
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| Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi, Senior Legal Adviser on International Law, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, speaks during Session 5, titled “UNCLOS, Legitimacy at sea and pathways for cooperation”, on the morning of October 8, 2026.. (Photo: Organizing Comittee) |
An important legal framework
Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi noted that UNCLOS has established the legal framework within which activities in the oceans and seas are to be conducted, making an immense contribution to enhancing predictability and stability in international relations.
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According to him, by conducting themselves in accordance with UNCLOS and international law more broadly, all countries can contribute to promoting international cooperation and building trust.
Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi stressed that these principles are as relevant to the East Sea as they are to the Baltic Sea and other seas and oceans around the world.
Against the backdrop of an increasingly complex maritime environment and emerging challenges, he said UNCLOS should continue to be regarded as an important legal framework.
Like many other key instruments of international law, UNCLOS was developed and agreed upon with the understanding that the circumstances in which the Convention would be applied could vary from one region to another.
He noted that by making their commitment to UNCLOS clear, countries can contribute to a safe maritime order governed by international law. For small and middle powers, this framework is particularly important, as it can provide a basis for formulating their own positions or developing joint positions.
Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi also pointed out that UNCLOS provides a comprehensive and reasonably clear framework for maritime activities.
According to him, when countries recognize and rely on UNCLOS as a common legal framework, this creates opportunities to promote international cooperation, including practical cooperation at sea. While there are many other aspects to consider, he emphasised that recognizing UNCLOS as a common starting point is particularly important.
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| Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi poses for a photo with young leaders at the 18th International Conference on the East Sea. (Photo: Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam) |
Vietnam’s role in promoting dialogue
Asked about Vietnam’s role in promoting dialogue and cooperation on international law and maritime issues, Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi said he was well aware of Vietnam’s role in convening and promoting dialogue across a range of areas. He noted that this role has been recognized and appreciated by Sweden and the international community.
He cited the annual International Conference on the East Sea as a clear example. In his view, the conference provides a valuable forum for exchanging views and promoting dialogue.
Sharing Sweden’s experience in advancing international law, maritime governance and multilateral cooperation, Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi said that successive Swedish governments have long regarded international law as a cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy.
In line with this approach, Sweden has consistently demonstrated clear support for UNCLOS and the institutions established under the Convention.
He noted that this approach has brought significant benefits to international cooperation in the Baltic Sea and to maritime activities involving Sweden.
Building on its support for international law, Sweden also supports similar approaches in other regions around the world, including the East Sea, he added.
| About Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi: Dr. Martin Ratcovich Leopardi has served as Senior Legal Adviser on International Law at Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden since 2019. He has extensive experience in international law research and teaching, and his publications cover the law of the sea, underwater infrastructure, Arctic law and legal issues relating to maritime activities. He obtained his Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) from Stockholm University in 2019. |
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