Video Message
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests,
Ocean Fellows,
It is my pleasure to address you at the inaugural event.
On behalf of the United Nations and in my capacity as Conference Secretary-General for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Government of Portugal for its generous contribution and steadfast support in championing capacity-building for accelerating global efforts surrounding the ocean and SDG14.
I also extend a special word of thanks to the Oceano Azul Foundation, for helping to make this workshop a reality.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The ocean’s role in sustaining life on earth is unparalleled.
The ocean regulates our climate. It serves as a reservoir of rich biodiversity. And it provides livelihoods for billions of people around the world.
Ocean-based solutions are central to our collective fight against the triple planetary crisis threatening our sustainable future.
Yet, with just six years left until the 2030 deadline, we are witnessing regression in half of the SDG14 targets. In this final stretch, we must intensify our efforts and demonstrate renewed determination to fulfil the commitments we made.
Capacity-building lies at the heart of these efforts.
Governments, as the primary drivers and leaders in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, need to be equipped with enhanced expertise and decision-making capabilities protect and leverage the health of the ocean.
This is particularly critical for Small Island Developing States, where both the impact and potential of innovative ocean solutions are key to a sustainable future.
This ocean fellowship programme will help to empower the next generation of ocean leaders to turn commitments into action.
It will answer the call by SIDS for enhanced capacity-building to drive sustainable ocean-based economies and scale up nature-based solutions, as outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS.
Dear Ocean Fellows,
The future of our ocean is in your hands. As policymakers and decision-makers, you have the power to shape the policies and strategies that will define the health and sustainability of our ocean for generations to come.
I hope this fellowship programme serves as a catalyst for strengthened international cooperation, and exchange of best practices, and drives meaningful partnerships for transformative change.
I look forward to the outcomes of this workshop and wish all participants a productive and enriching experience.
Thank you!