Ocean Conference Side Event: Ocean partnerships and science-based solutions for strengthening sustainable ocean economies in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs

Venue: Committee Room, Altice Arena

Background

Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) depend heavily on ocean-based industries and are subsequently highly exposed to the consequences of ocean degradation.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and amplified the vulnerability of SIDS and LDCs, resulting in a new array of challenges. Both groups could develop their resilience through economic diversification and the development of their ocean resources.

Given they play a key role in the sustainable management of ocean and coastal resources, SIDS and LDCs are also priority partners in the UN Ocean Decade. And although Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) do not have direct access to the sea, they can also derive benefits from use of the ocean space and resources under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

Ocean Conference

The 2022 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal, comes as the world is strengthening its efforts to mobilize, create and drive solutions to realise the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

The Conference will propel science-based, innovative solutions to start a new chapter of global ocean action.   

Objective

This side event will explore challenges, opportunities and best practices in ocean science (and) the role of partnerships to build resilience in the ocean economy in SIDS, LDCs and LLDCs in line with the SIDS Partnerships Agenda, the SAMOA Pathway, the Doha Programme of Action for the LDCs, and the Vienna Programme of Action for the LLDCs.

Programme

Moderator: H.E. Ms. Ana Paula Zacarias, Permanent Representative of Portugal to the UN 

Keynote Address: Hon. Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Kingdom of Tonga

Fire-side chat

• H.E. Mr. Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Pa'olelei Luteru, Permanent Representative of Samoa to the UN    
• H.E. Walton A Webson, Permanent Representative of Antigua and Barbuda to the UN and Chair of AOSIS
• H.E. Mr Kennedy Gastorn, Permanent Representative of the United Republic of Tanzania to the UN
• H.E. Mr. Garen Nazaryan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Portuguese Republic
• Mr. Michael W. Lodge, Secretary General, International Seabed Authority (ISA)   
• Mr. Ignasi Ferrer, President, CEO of Seastainability Ventures and Senior Executive at World Ocean Council   

Interactive Segment

Closing: Mr. Sandagdorj Erdenebileg, Chief, Policy Coordination, Development, Monitoring and Reporting Service, UN Office for Most Vulnerable States (OHRLLS)