Video Message
Lisbon, Portugal
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests and Ocean Fellows,
It is my pleasure to address you as we convene the second edition of the United Nations - Portugal Ocean Fellowship.
First, let me extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Portugal for its visionary leadership and strong support for capacity building and the implementation of SDG 14.
I also wish to convey my deep appreciation to Camões - Institute for Cooperation and Language for their generous support, and to the Oceano Azul Foundation for its valuable partnership in making this Fellowship possible.
Since its inception, this programme has become an important platform for empowering the next generation of ocean leaders.
I am proud to see Fellows from our first cohort play significant roles at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice — as delegates, experts, and advocates — helping shape discussions and outcomes that will guide global ocean action.
Their engagement strengthened the voice of developing countries and amplified ocean priorities on the world stage.
We are now at a time of renewed momentum. The third UN Ocean Conference has reignited political will for the ocean, mobilizing over 800 new voluntary commitments and pledges, and adopted an intergovernmentally agreed Political Declaration. I encourage you to review the commitments, especially those registered by your respective countries, and apply the knowledge gained from this workshop to support their implementation.
The entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement in January 2026 marks a new era in the protection of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction. Just last month, the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies entered into force, delivering on the mandate of SDG target 14.6. Together, these milestones affirm that multilateral cooperation delivers real progress.
As ocean policymakers and leaders, your role is crucial. Your decisions and actions turn international agreements into laws, strategies, and programmes that safeguard waters, strengthen the resilience of coastal communities, and advance sustainable ocean-based economies.
Dear colleagues,
As you engage in this Fellowship, I encourage you to share your unique perspectives and learn from each other.
I hope this experience empower you to lead within your home countries, shape regional dialogues, and join a growing global network of ocean champions.
Thank you, and I wish you a productive and inspiring Fellowship.