Common Heritage of Mankind: The Evolution of the Concept and Its Significance in Contemporary International Law

The study examines the concept of the common heritage of mankind (CHM) and its role in contemporary international law. The historical context of the development of this concept is analyzed, its development since the mid-20th century and the reasons for its support by developing countries advocating for a new international economic order are traced. The methodology involves the analysis of key international documents, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 1979 Agreement Governing the Activities of States on the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. Scientific approaches that allow us to determine the legal nature of the CHM are also being explored. The main findings show that the concept of CHM, although influential in shaping international legal discourse, faces difficulties in practical application and is not universally accepted as customary international law. It is concluded that, initially based on the desire for a fair distribution of resources, the concept is evolving towards a «common concern» that emphasizes shared responsibility and sustainable resource management, while its future as a binding legal norm remains uncertain due to problems in implementation and the existence of pragmatic economic approaches in state activities.

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