Remarks by H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly

29 June 2022

Excellencies, friends, 

I am deeply honoured to be here, to mark the launching of the State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture Report for 2022. 

I thank the Director General of FAO, Mr. QU Dongyu, for graciously inviting me. 

Excellencies, 

The importance of the ocean to our lives and livelihoods is profound, and includes immense influence on our economies and nutritional intake. 

This is especially true for Small Island Developing States, which are heavily reliant on the ocean for both their commerce and their dietary sustenance. 

At a time when food insecurity is a growing concern, ensuring the sustainable use of the oceans resources is vital. 

Yet, even as we speak, the consumption of fish is growing at twice the rate of global population growth, an alarming reality that is not adequately reflected in our policies and priorities on food and nutrition. 

One solution that we must seriously consider is transitioning to more sustainable and environmentally friendly policies and practices. 

With the right strategy and investment, we can grow aquaculture by 35 percent by 2030, drastically reducing our reliance on scarce, wild fish stocks, while further securing the livelihoods of those involved in fisheries. 

Excellencies, 

2022 is a pivotal year for the ocean. We are celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as well as recognizing the International Year for Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, which highlights the crucial role of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in poverty reduction, food security, and sustainability. 

Moreover, this year also witnessed the successful adoption of the resolution to start work on an international agreement to combat plastic pollution, which is  devastating marine ecosystems. 

In that same spirit, I also welcome the recent adoption of the agreement by the World Trade Organization on curbing harmful fisheries subsidies. 

We need to build on the momentum of these landmarks to reverse the declining health of our ocean. 

Excellencies, 

The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report plays a crucial role in our efforts to conserve our ocean and its criticial marine resources. 

Its continued publication helps keep us apprised of where we are in terms of our successes and misteps in managing ocean resources. 

Research, science and data must inform substantial policymaking, helping us to conserve maritime ecosystems, implement science-based management plans, and bring an end to destructive and expolitatative practices such as Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing.    

I congratulate the FAO and all relevant stakeholders who were involved in bringing out this important report, which should continue to guide our efforts, and I urge you to continue your work to protect and preserve the health of our oceans.  

Thank you.