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Remarks at Ocean Action Panel 6: Advancing sustainable ocean-based economies, sustainable maritime transport and coastal community resilience, leaving no one behind

Nice, France

Mr. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, 
Ms. Annette Gibbons, Deputy Minister at Fisheries and Oceans of Canada,
Excellencies,
Ladies and gentlemen, 

I am honoured to join with other distinguished panellist to address this important Ocean Action Panel. 

The topic of this panel¡ªthe sustainable ocean-based economy¡ªis at the very heart of the 2030 Agenda. It is rooted in the core principle of the SDGs: that economic progress is only genuine and lasting if it is socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable. 

It reminds us that all SDGs are interlinked. If we succeed in developing sustainable ocean-based economies, we will achieve not only SDG 14, but also other SDG targets such as on poverty eradication, zero hunger, decent work, and industry and innovation. We are seeking win-win-win scenarios for people, planet, and pocketbook.

We see a lot of examples especially among the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and they are already leading the way in this ¡°triple-win¡± development. The SIDS Partnership Framework Database, maintained by UN DESA, showcases hundreds of inspiring projects that promote a sustainable ocean-based economy. 

From regenerative tourism in the Caribbean to empowering women entrepreneurs in the Pacific and investing in responsible fisheries governance in the AIS region, SIDS and their partners are bringing the sustainable ocean-based economy to life. 

This momentum is global. Voluntary commitments registered through the UN Ocean Conferences reflect the diversity and potential of ocean-based economy initiatives. These commitments, collected and analyzed by UN DESA, address sectors ranging from fisheries and aquaculture to renewable energy, marine transport, and even ¡°ocean-friendly fashion.¡± Across the three UN Ocean Conferences, over 2,400 commitments have been registered. 

However, we must be more ambitious. At the 4th International Conference on SIDS, held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2024, leaders called for expanding public-private partnerships, and increasing investment and capacity-building efforts across all sectors. 

This call is echoed in the draft outcome of this 3rd UN Ocean Conference, urging investment in the sustainable ocean-based economy, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, shipping, and renewable ocean-based energy. 

We are clear on those figures. Achieving SDG 14 by 2030 demands an estimated 175 billion US dollars per year ¡ª a staggering 60-fold increase from current funding levels from all sources. 

While official development assistance and other government funding provide a foundation, public-private partnerships and blended financing are equally crucial. We must also champion innovative instruments like green and blue bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, and sustainability-linked loans, to support clean technologies and conservation.

As the dialogue on ocean investment deepens at UNOC3, it is well placed to directly inform the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. These discussions are intrinsically linked and mutually reinforcing.

In addition, to secure this blue future, we must also invest in two other critical areas:

First, innovation. The recent 2025 Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum explored ocean frontier technologies, from ocean observation and remote sensing, to new tools for artisanal fishing communities and coastal resilience. We must champion and deploy these innovative solutions.  

Second, youth. Young advocates bring urgency and fresh perspectives. By amplifying their voices at every forum, including at the STI Forum, the Youth Forum, and here at UNOC3, and beyond, we empower the generation that will inherit our ocean and inspire the action we need today. 

Excellencies, 
Distinguished delegates, 

As world leaders have reaffirmed here in Nice, the time to invest and act is now. In these uncertain times, building resilience is paramount. Blue livelihoods are a powerful foundation of that resilience¡ªfor communities, countries and our shared environment. 

I look forward to hearing from our distinguished delegates on building resilience and sustainable ocean-based economies. UN DESA stands ready to collaborate with you on this vital endeavour.  

Thank you.    
 

File date: 
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Author: 

Mr. Junhua Li