A/RES/57/141 6. Emphasizes the essential need also to improve the implementation of international agreements in accordance with article 311 of the Convention and, where appropriate, to foster the conditions for the application of instruments of a voluntary nature, and recalls the important role of international organizations in achieving these goals; II. World Summit on Sustainable Development 7. Welcomes the Plan of Implementation of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (“Johannesburg Plan of Implementation”), adopted on 4 September 2002, 9 which once again emphasizes the importance of addressing the sustainable development of oceans and seas and provides for the further implementation of chapter 17 of Agenda 21; 2 8. Also welcomes the commitments set out in the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation to actions at all levels, within specific periods for certain goals, to ensure the sustainable development of the oceans, including sustainable fisheries, the promotion of the conservation and management of the oceans, the enhancement of maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment from pollution, and the improvement of scientific understanding and assessment of marine and coastal ecosystems as a fundamental basis for sound decision-making; III. Meeting of States Parties 9. Requests the Secretary-General to convene the thirteenth Meeting of States Parties to the Convention in New York from 9 to 13 June 2003 and to provide the services required; IV. Settlement of disputes 10. Notes with satisfaction the continued contribution of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (“the Tribunal”) to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with Part XV of the Convention, underlines its important role and authority concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention and the Agreement, encourages States parties to the Convention to consider making a written declaration choosing from the means set out in article 287 for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention and the Agreement, and invites States parties to note the provisions of annexes V, VI, VII and VIII to the Convention concerning, respectively, conciliation, the Tribunal, arbitration and special arbitration; 11. Equally pays tribute to the important and long-standing role of the International Court of Justice with regard to the peaceful settlement of disputes concerning the law of the sea; 12. Recalls the obligation under article 296 of the Convention requiring all parties to a dispute before a court or a tribunal referred to in article 287 of the Convention to comply promptly with any decision rendered by such court or tribunal; 13. Encourages States parties to the Convention that have not yet done so to nominate conciliators and arbitrators in accordance with annexes V and VII to the _______________ 9 Report of the World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, South Africa, 26 August–4 September 2002 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.03.II.A.1 and corrigendum), chap. I, resolution 2, annex. 4