| The 2001 Convention enters into force on 2 January 2009. In accordance
with its Article 23.1 the Director-General convenes therefore the
First Meeting of States Parties to the Convention from 26 to 27 March
2009 at UNESCO Headquarters (Room II, 7 Place de Fontenoy, Paris 75007).
States Parties to the Convention may attend the Meeting as participants
with the right to vote. States and territories not Parties to it,
as well as certain governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental
organizations may participate as observers if the Meeting of States
Parties so decides when adopting its Rules of Procedure.
The Meeting has to decide on its functions and responsibilities
and adopt its own Rules of Procedure.
The Meeting may furthermore establish a Scientific and Technical
Advisory Body, to be composed of experts nominated by the States
Parties with due regard to the principle of equitable geographical
distribution and the desirability of a gender balance. This Body
should, in case of its establishment, assist the Meeting of States
Parties in questions of a scientific or technical nature regarding
the implementation of the “Rules concerning activities directed
at underwater cultural heritage” (Annex of the 2001 Convention)
and other issues, as decided by the Meeting of States Parties.
Simultaneous interpretation of the debates is provided in the six
working languages of the Organization.
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