A/RES/53/32 Page 2 Noting with satisfaction that “Oceans and seas” will be the sectoral theme discussed by the Commission on Sustainable Development at its seventh session in 1999, Reaffirming the strategic importance of the Convention as a framework for national, regional and global action in the marine sector, as recognized also by the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in chapter 17 of Agenda 21, 3 as well as in the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, in particular paragraph 36 thereof dealing with oceans and seas,4 Recalling that, by its resolution 49/131 of 19 December 1994, it proclaimed 1998 the International Year of the Ocean, Noting with satisfaction the increase in the number of States parties to the Convention and the Agreement, Recognizing the impact on States of the entry into force of the Convention and the Agreement and the increasing need, particularly of developing States, for advice and assistance in their implementation in order to benefit thereunder, Taking note with concern of the financial situation of the International Seabed Authority and of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, Conscious of the need to promote and facilitate international cooperation, especially at the subregional and regional levels, in order to ensure the orderly and sustainable development of the uses and resources of the seas and oceans, Conscious also of the importance of education and training in the field of ocean affairs and the law of the sea, Taking account of the importance of reliable hydrographic and nautical information to enhance the safety of navigation, Expressing its concern at the increasing threat to shipping from piracy and armed robbery at sea and its appreciation and support for the ongoing work of the International Maritime Organization in this area, Expressing its appreciation once again to the Secretary-General for his efforts in support of the Convention and in its effective implementation, including providing assistance in the functioning of the institutions created by the Convention, Noting the responsibilities of the Secretary-General under the Convention and related resolutions of the General Assembly, in particular resolutions 49/28 and 52/26, and emphasizing the importance of the performance of such responsibilities for the effective and consistent implementation of the Convention, 3 Report of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 3–14 June 1992 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and corrigenda), vol. I: Resolutions adopted by the Conference, resolution 1, annex II. 4 Resolution S–19/2, annex. /...