Frequently asked questions

The deadline has passed. Can we still submit our comments?

• To allow the delivery of the second world ocean assessment in accordance with the further revised timetable and in accordance with the approved procedure, only comments submitted by midnight on 5 June 2020 (New York time) will be accepted and transmitted to the writing teams.

Would it be possible use our own template?

• In accordance with the approved procedure, only comments submitted in the approved template will be accepted and transmitted to the writing teams.

Can we copy text from the assessment and use track changes to indicate proposed revisions?

• Yes. You can also indicate proposed revisions by using bold underline for insertions and strikethrough for deletions.

We are concerned about sending our comments in .doc/.docx format. Can we submit them in .pdf?

• Comments must be sent in .doc or .docx format, which will be the basis for the compilation, but States are welcome to additionally attach a .pdf version.

Would it be possible to submit comments in our national language?

• Comments may only be submitted in English.

What will happen to our comments?

• The comments will be compiled by chapter and sent to the writing teams. The writing teams will consider and respond to the comments and make any necessary revisions to the chapter. The proposed responses and revisions will be then be considered by the Group of Experts.

Will our comments be shared with other States?

• Yes, when the comments from States and agreed responses of GOE are circulated along with the second draft.

Will our comments be shared on the website of the Regular Process?

• No, but they will be shared with  all Permanent Missions to the United Nations and the National Focal Points of Member States for the Regular Process.

When is the deadline to submit written comments on the first draft? 

• 5 June 2020, at midnight New York time (EST)

When will we receive the second draft?

• No later than 14 August 2020.

When is the deadline to raise questions arising from the second draft?

• 4 September 2020, at 23:59 New York time (EST), though States are requested to provide any comments sooner, if possible, to allow for consideration by the Group of Experts.

When will the draft assessment be discussed by the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole?

• At the Fourteenth Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole, scheduled for December 2020.

Will the Fourteenth Meeting of the Ad Hoc Working Group of the Whole take place on schedule?

• The Bureau is continuously assessing the situation, and has decided that until further notice, the Regular Process, and the Fourteenth Meeting, should continue as scheduled.