Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It gives me great pleasure to address you at today’s workshop “From Lisbon to Nice: Implementing SDG14 with Communities of Ocean Action”.
I would like to begin by commending your great stewardship and contribution to the work of COAs as well as your longstanding commitment to the ocean and the implementation of SDG14.
I know that those of you here are keenly aware of the crucial role of ocean in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss, generating economic growth and jobs, gender equality and food security, and sustainable development as a whole. You are indeed fully committed to the cause.
But, at a global level, much more must be done to make the level of progress needed on SDG14.
A global ocean crisis is unfolding before us: sea levels are rising, coastal erosion continues to worsen, and the oceans are plagued by warming, acidification, deoxygenation and rampant marine pollution.
The overexploitation of global fish stocks, coupled with illegal and unregulated fishing, has left vital resources severely depleted. And the ongoing decline of marine biodiversity threatens the very existence of entire ecosystems.
Half of the SDG14 targets have regressed and our efforts on implementation are grossly underfunded.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The introduction of Voluntary Commitments at the 2017 UN Ocean Conference provided governments, private sectors, NGOs and major groups with an important platform for generating involvement in the effort to achieve SDG14.
Voluntary Commitments generate innovative solutions, pool resources from different sectors and transfer commitments to concrete ocean actions. If fully implemented, properly monitored and scaled up, they can make a real difference.
This workshop aims to support the implementation of voluntary commitments by providing a space for communication and collaboration within Communities of Ocean Action. A space to share best practices and experience, brainstorm innovative solutions, explore opportunities, and build momentum towards the Ocean Conference in 2025.
Dear Colleagues,
Allow me to say a few words in my capacity as the Co-focal Point of the COA on Sustainable Blue Economy.
The ocean is now seen as the next great economic frontier, with numerous ocean-based industries growing and interest in developing sustainable blue economy escalating.
There are emerging sectors including low carbon shipping, offshore renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and eco-tourism that have added to the economic potential of the ocean. These go beyond the traditional sectors such as transportation, fisheries and other material goods garnered from the ocean.
However, there are challenges to growing the blue economy, including access to affordable long-term financing at scale, lack of capacity, technology and enabling environment as well as addressing environmental concerns. These challenges shouldn’t be underestimated and their resolution hinges on the collective efforts of all related stakeholders such as yourselves.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The ocean’s vast depths hold the promise of a brighter and more prosperous future for all. In the journey towards the Nice Ocean Conference, UN DESA will continue working closely with you to deliver our shared promise to a healthier and more vibrant ocean.
Thank you again for your commitment, support and partnership.
I wish you fruitful discussions.
Thank you.