Mr. Lin Shanqing, Deputy Administrator, State Ocenaic Administration, ChinaExcellencies,Ladies and gentlemen,
I am delighted to address this important side event on blue partnerships to advance global ocean governance.
The Ocean – by the way I am using the singular Ocean to stress the linkages among oceans and seas) is crucial for sustainable development.
The Ocean provides half of the oxygen we are breathing. It absorbs 90% of the additional heat from our CO2 emissions; and provides livelihoods to billions of people around the world.
But the Ocean faces major challenges. We are talking about:
climate changemarine pollution, including use of plastics and micro-plastics, unsustainable extraction of marine resources, and destruction of marine and coastal habitats.
Without blue partnerships among Member States, international organizations and other stakeholders, we cannot tackle these challenges in synergy.
We will continue the silo approach.
In this regard, I am delighted to see that you have already identified several solutions.
To build up blue partnership, you have underscored the need to:i)encourage exchange of best practices on marine conservation and management;ii)enhance the roles of different mechanisms and bodies in such exchanges; iii)undertake gap analysis in existing systems and possible solutions; andiv)strengthen capacity building programs to increase capacities of experts, officers and practitioners.
We agree with you. Given the global challenges, all actors must learn to work together to bring about solutions and concrete actions to advance implementation of SDG 14.
It is worth reiterating, that one of the key objectives of the Ocean Conference, is to build on existing successful partnerships and stimulate innovative and concrete new partnerships.
UNDESA had the honor of co-chairing, together with the World Bank Group, an informal working group. It is called “Blue growth and increasing economic benefits for SIDS and LDCs from sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries, aquaculture and tourism”.
We have put a strong emphasis on partnerships, with the participation of a wide range of UN entities and other stakeholders, and focusing on target 7 of SDG 14. (By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism).
I believe that a sustainable blue economy based on clean technologies, renewable energy and sustainable development of ocean resources, is important for the future of developing countries.
It can happen only with the shared commitment of all actors in these areas, with engagement of governments, international organizations, business, and other stakeholder groups.
Capacity-building, technology transfer and adequate and predictable financial means will be required to support them in this endeavor.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
We will not be able to achieve implementation of the 2030 Agenda – including SDG14 – without blue partnerships and closer cooperation on ocean-related issues, at all levels.I look forward to fruitful discussions at this important side event, and to continuing our common work to save our ocean, for current and future generations.
Thank you.
I am delighted to address this important side event on blue partnerships to advance global ocean governance.
The Ocean – by the way I am using the singular Ocean to stress the linkages among oceans and seas) is crucial for sustainable development.
The Ocean provides half of the oxygen we are breathing. It absorbs 90% of the additional heat from our CO2 emissions; and provides livelihoods to billions of people around the world.
But the Ocean faces major challenges. We are talking about:
climate changemarine pollution, including use of plastics and micro-plastics, unsustainable extraction of marine resources, and destruction of marine and coastal habitats.
Without blue partnerships among Member States, international organizations and other stakeholders, we cannot tackle these challenges in synergy.
We will continue the silo approach.
In this regard, I am delighted to see that you have already identified several solutions.
To build up blue partnership, you have underscored the need to:i)encourage exchange of best practices on marine conservation and management;ii)enhance the roles of different mechanisms and bodies in such exchanges; iii)undertake gap analysis in existing systems and possible solutions; andiv)strengthen capacity building programs to increase capacities of experts, officers and practitioners.
We agree with you. Given the global challenges, all actors must learn to work together to bring about solutions and concrete actions to advance implementation of SDG 14.
It is worth reiterating, that one of the key objectives of the Ocean Conference, is to build on existing successful partnerships and stimulate innovative and concrete new partnerships.
UNDESA had the honor of co-chairing, together with the World Bank Group, an informal working group. It is called “Blue growth and increasing economic benefits for SIDS and LDCs from sustainable management of marine resources including fisheries, aquaculture and tourism”.
We have put a strong emphasis on partnerships, with the participation of a wide range of UN entities and other stakeholders, and focusing on target 7 of SDG 14. (By 2030, increase the economic benefits to small island developing states and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism).
I believe that a sustainable blue economy based on clean technologies, renewable energy and sustainable development of ocean resources, is important for the future of developing countries.
It can happen only with the shared commitment of all actors in these areas, with engagement of governments, international organizations, business, and other stakeholder groups.
Capacity-building, technology transfer and adequate and predictable financial means will be required to support them in this endeavor.
Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
We will not be able to achieve implementation of the 2030 Agenda – including SDG14 – without blue partnerships and closer cooperation on ocean-related issues, at all levels.I look forward to fruitful discussions at this important side event, and to continuing our common work to save our ocean, for current and future generations.
Thank you.
File date:
Monday, June 5, 2017