Closing statement by H.E. Mr Peter Thomson, President of the 71st Session of the UN General Assembly, at High-Level side event on mobilizing action to implement SDG 14 in the run-up to the UN Conference on Oceans in 2017
19 September 2016
H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Honourable Prime Minister of Fiji, Deputy Prime Minister of Sweden, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen
I would like to thank the co-hosts of the Oceans Conference – Fiji and Sweden – for their leadership on this issue, and in driving preparations.
One year on from the historic adoption of the 2030 Agenda, it is clear that more needs to be done to turn our global commitments into action.
That is why I have made the principle objective for the 71st session, overseeing a universal push to transform our world, and to see meaningful progress in implementing all 17 SDGs.
To reverse the tragic decline in the health and resources of our oceans, the Conference must bring together key partners, so that we can harness quickly and effectively the necessary knowledge, strategies, energy, economic resources, and political will to drive implementation of SDG14 forward.
It is crucial therefore that all key stakeholders are represented, and at highest levels.
A trust fund has been established to accept voluntary contributions to help facilitate the participation of developing countries, particularly small island developing states and least developed countries.
Your generous contributions to the Trust Fund would be appreciated.
The Conference itself will include seven partnership dialogues that will focus on implementing the SDG14 targets.
Strategic partnerships will be vital to effective implementation.
There have been many successful oceans initiatives and processes established – the UN conference next June will bring together these efforts to coordinate the ultimate achievement of SDG 14.
I am fully committed to ensuring the success of this Conference. I believe it will the jewel in the crown of the 71st session.
We must remember that the interconnected nature of the SDGs means that the success of the Oceans Conference next year is also critical to driving broader momentum for implementing all 17 SDGs.
I look forward to working with all of you, and to supporting the two host countries – Fiji and Sweden – in our approach to the conference.
I hope to see you all back in New York in June 2017.
Thank you.