Report by Humayun Kabir from Lisbon, Portugal, “save the Ocean- protect the future” centering on this theme the UN Ocean Conference co-hosted by Portugal and Kenya is set to be held in Lisbon from 27 June to 1 July.
On the occasion of the UN Ocean Conference at a press briefing organized by the Portugal Foreign Ministry, the Minister of the Foreign Affairs, Joao Gomes Cravinho said, the capital city of Lisbon, Portugal is completely ready to receive all delegates for the UN Ocean Conference. we have already taken all kinds of initiatives so that in terms of saving our own oceans, we are together able to reach an agreement to find out a sustainable solution and present a successful Conference to the world.
He added that A level Playing Field would be maintained for the delegates from all countries of the world at the UN oceans conference. so that, not only developing countries but also the delegates of the less developing countries can raise their demands at the UN oceans conference to save their own oceans. Apart from that, this year’s UN Ocean conference will especially focus on the small countries and islands affected by climate change.
He added that A level Playing Field would be maintained for the delegates from all countries of the world at the UN oceans conference. so that, not only developing countries but also the delegates of the less developing countries can raise their demands at the UN oceans conference to save their own oceans. Apart from that, this year’s UN Ocean conference will especially focus on the small countries and islands affected by climate change.
In addition to this, The event is designed to provide a space for the international community to push for the adoption of innovative, science-based solutions for the sustainable management of the oceans, including combating water acidification, pollution, illegal fishing, and loss of habitats and biodiversity. This is a fundamental conference for Portugal. There is also a connection with our commitment to strengthening multilateralism and to advance on the Ocean agenda, as well as on the questions concerning climate change.
We hope to have around 12,000 participants from all over the world. And we have already received the confirmation of several Heads of State and Government, as well as many non-governmental organizations, civil society participants, people from academia, youth organizations, and local communities.
He said the ocean covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, is the planet’s largest biosphere and is home to up to 80 percent of all life in the world. It generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions, and captures 90 percent of the additional heat generated from those emissions. It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink – a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.
The Foreign Minister said we are very optimistic that, the UN Ocean Conference of this year would be a success through the concerted efforts and the spontaneous participation of delegates from all countries of the world.
So The Foreign Minister, Joao Gomes Cravinho has welcomed all distinguished delegates of the world to spontaneous participate in this UN Ocean Conference in Portugal.
Citing different programs of the UN Ocean conference to the journalist he added that, The official program will be accompanied by four special events focusing on youth, the sustainable blue economy, fresh- and saltwater interlinkages, and ocean action at the local and regional level.
Youth and Innovation Forum, Cascais, Portugal (24-26 June) The Youth and Innovation Forum will be a platform for advancing ocean action and implementing youth-led solutions. It will seek to help young entrepreneurs and innovators scale up their initiatives, projects, and ideas through professional training and matchmaking with mentors, investors, the private sector, and government officials.
Localizing Action for the Ocean: Local and Regional Governments Forum, Matosinhos, Portugal (25 June) This will be a space for local and regional governments and other stakeholders to announce new voluntary commitments in support of Ocean Action. The event will also seek to facilitate a discussion on opportunities and initiatives that can support sustainable adaptation for coastal cities and regions, including financing innovation and scaling up ocean protection.
High-Level Symposium on Water, Lisbon, Portugal (27 June) This Symposium is an opportunity to bring together political leaders and high-level decision-makers dealing both with “fresh” and “salt” water, reflecting on how to better connect these two communities to guarantee an integrated vision of the water cycle. By doing so, the symposium seeks to strengthen the role of water and ocean in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement
Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum, Cascais, Portugal (28 June) The forum is an opportunity to establish a common language for a sustainable ocean economy and to explore how to build synergies between integrated Ocean Management Plans, trade finance, marketing, and distribution value chains and the private sector.
The Minister of the Economy and Maritime Affairs of Portugal, Antonio Costa Silva, and other concerned officials were present at the press briefing.