The 49th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP49), held in Athens on 21–22 September 2026, was successfully concluded

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The 49th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy (COLP49) with the general theme: “Maritime Security in the Mediterranean Sea and Beyond” was successfully held on 21–22 September 2026 at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA). It was the first time this prestigious conference was hosted in this country.

Co-organised by the NKUA School of Law and the Athens Public International Law Center (Athens PIL), together with the U.S. Naval War College, the World Maritime University (WMU), the Nippon Foundation, the Korean Maritime Institute and the Japan Institute of International Affairs, the Conference brought together leading academics, representatives of international organisations, policymakers and maritime experts from around the world to address some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary maritime security and the law of the sea.

The Conference opened with a welcome message of the Rector of the NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, followed by welcome remarks from Professor James Kraska (U.S. Naval War College), Professor Ronán Long (World Maritime University), Dr Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Oceans as well as  Professor Maria Gavouneli (School of Law NKUA – Athens PIL). The opening session featured a keynote address by Dora Bakoyannis, ex-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Member of the Hellenic Parliament and Chair of its Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs, entitled “Maritime Security in a Regional Context: The Mediterranean”.

The Conference benefited from the participation of distinguished experts and representatives of leading academic institutions and organisations. Over the course of two days, the Conference provided a forum for in-depth discussions on maritime security in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. The sessions explored a broad range of interconnected issues, including human security at sea, the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, emerging technologies, ocean resources and biodiversity, and the litigation of maritime security disputes.

Particular attention was devoted to the challenges posed by threats to submarine cables and pipelines, the relationship between maritime security and migration, and the legal dimensions of protecting marine resources and biodiversity. Discussions also highlighted the importance of international cooperation, information sharing and the effective application of international law in addressing risks that extend beyond national and regional boundaries.

The successful conclusion of COLP49 reaffirmed the importance of sustained international dialogue and interdisciplinary cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime challenges. It also provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen academic and institutional ties and to exchange knowledge and perspectives on the evolving legal and policy framework governing maritime security.

Athens PIL would like to extend their sincere thanks to all speakers, moderators, participants and collaborating institutions, the contributions for which made the Conference such a success. Finally, warm thanks are extended to the Rector of the NKUA, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, Professor Nikolaos Thomaidis and the Property Management & Development Company of NKUA – without their crucial sponsorship the organization and success of the conference would not have been possible.

The Conference programme is available here

Opening ceremony – Ceremonial Hall: available here

Closing ceremony – Ceremonial Hall: available here

For more information about the Conference: COLP49 Athens 2026