In recent days and weeks, intensive UN negotiations have been underway for a legally binding agreement to protect life in the Earth's deepest oceans, an ecosystem that covers almost half of the Earth's surface.
But this time too, the world's countries failed to agree on an agreement to protect the marine environment and biological diversity.
- Although we have made excellent progress, we still need a little more time to cross the finish line, says conference chairperson Rena Lee.
Previous negotiations were held in March
The negotiations have actually been conducted for almost 15 years, with four previous formal sessions.
The last negotiation ran aground in March this year.
Many had hoped that the ongoing fifth session, which began in New York on August 15, would be the last and result in a final text on how to protect and sustainably manage deep-sea life in international waters.
Among other things, Sweden's delegation leader Niklas Kebbon, who is on site, has told SVT that he is optimistic about the possibilities of reaching an agreement.
On the night of Saturday, Swedish time, however, the negotiations were interrupted.
It is now up to the UN General Assembly to decide if and when it should resume.