Group of Friends of Maritime Security

Groups of Friends are informal UN coalitions of member states that coordinate positions and advocacy on a theme. A Group of Friends on maritime security promotes attention to safe sea lanes, counter-piracy, and the law-of-the-sea framework within UN forums, supporting Security Council debates on maritime security such as the open debate of 9 August 2021. These groupings draft statements, sponsor resolutions, and align diplomatic effort; they hold no operational mandate, so for shipping their effect is normative and agenda-setting rather than direct protection of vessels.