In the Portuguese capital of Lisbon, over 300 side events created waves to save our ocean in connection with the 2022 UN Ocean Conference from 27 June to 1 July 2022. Organized by Member States, Intergovernmental Organizations, UN entities and other stakeholders, these events related to the eight Interactive Dialogues of the Conference and covered a wide range of topics in interesting formats such as panel discussions, film premieres and even live concerts.
The events drew in diverse audiences spanning all age groups, nationalities and backgrounds, leaving participants feeling invigorated and inspired to increase ocean action. UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, as well as UN DESA’s Under-Secretary General Mr. Liu Zhenmin, Secretary-General of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, addressed many side events and highlighted the importance of partnerships to achieve SDG 14 on life below water.
Many organizers used their side events as an opportunity to announce new Voluntary Commitments. These commitments are aimed at supporting the implementation of SDG 14 and boosting the engagement for the UN Ocean Decade. Voluntary Commitments will be compiled and added as an Annex to the official summary of the Conference.
95 side events were held inside the Altice Arena Conference venue (Blue Zone) throughout the week. The High Level Ocean Decade Alliance meeting, co-hosted by the Presidents of Portugal and Kenya (co-hosts of the 2022 UN Ocean Conference) and the Director-General of UNESCO, offered a platform for Alliance members to announce new commitments.
The Food and Agricultural Organization also launched the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) report, stressing the need to accelerate achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in food and agriculture. In addition, multiple SIDS countries organized awareness raising on the critical role the Ocean has on their countries.
Outside the Blue Zone, over 120 side events were organized all over Lisbon covering Ocean Indigenous guardianship, empowerment of youth, citizen engagement and local and regional cooperation for Ocean action. For the people who could not make it to Lisbon to join the Conference in-person, there were also plenty of opportunities to learn more about how to save our ocean online. Over 80 side events were held virtually, emphasizing the diversity of solutions people and partnerships are creating in consideration of ocean health. Solutions presented by the various virtual events targeted marine pollution, sustainable seafood consumption and a sustainable blue economy.