---
title: "Common Heritage of Mankind Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "The common heritage of mankind is an international law principle that designates resources beyond national jurisdiction for the benefit of all humanity."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/common-heritage-of-mankind"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The common heritage of mankind is a principle of international law designating certain territories and resources beyond national jurisdiction as belonging to all humanity and managed for the benefit of present and fut…
- Who first articulated the common heritage of mankind and when?
- How does CHM differ from res communis and res nullius?
- Which institution administers the deep seabed under CHM?
- Why have major powers resisted the Moon Agreement's CHM clause?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The common heritage of mankind is a principle of international law designating certain territories and resources beyond national jurisdiction as belonging to all humanity and managed for the benefit of present and future generations.

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## Timeline

1. 1 November 1967

   The concept was crystallised by Maltese ambassador Arvid Pardo in his celebrated address to the UN General Assembly on , where he urged that the deep seabed…

2. 19 June 2023

   The BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty), adopted , governs marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction and reflects a compromise between CHM and "freedom…

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In 2021 the Pacific island State of Nauru, sponsoring The Metals Company, triggered the International Seabed Authority's "two-year rule," forcing accelerated negotiation of deep-sea mining regulations under the common-heritage regime of UNCLOS.

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