The conference, scheduled to take place in Odessa, Ukraine, is an effort by the OSCE and Ukrainian officials to enhance cooperation on navigation and threats to maritime and environmental security in the Black Sea, the OSCE reported.

Organized by the OSCE and Ukrainian authorities, the conference will bring together experts to discuss future challenges and ways to predict and prevent possible risks or accidents in the Black Sea maritime environment.

Officials say experts from the Black Sea Economic Cooperation organization, the Black Sea Commission and the International Maritime Organization, along with officials from the United Nations, are expected to participate.