Latest news with #SDG14
Zawya
5 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
African Island States Advance Ocean Partnerships and Finance Innovation at United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference
In a high-profile gathering during the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the African Island States Climate Commission (AISCC), in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), convened a High-Level Dialogue aimed at strengthening ocean partnerships and mobilizing innovative finance to support sustainable development across African Small Island Developing States. With participation from ministers, ambassadors, and senior officials representing island nations, United Nations agencies, and global development partners, the Dialogue marked a significant step toward aligning regional leadership, blue economy priorities, and climate finance strategies in pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14). Held as an official side event in the UNOC3 Blue Zone, the Dialogue was guided by the theme 'Strengthening Ocean Partnerships for Resilience and Sustainable Finance: Charting a Blue Future for African Island States and AIS SIDS.' Discussions emphasized the unique vulnerabilities of African Island States, the need for coordinated climate and ocean governance, and the urgency of unlocking scalable, long-term financing solutions tailored to the needs of island nations. Opening the event, Flavien Joubert, Chair of the AISCC and Minister of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment for the Republic of Seychelles, described the conference as a unique opportunity for African Island States and Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) to demonstrate global leadership on ocean sustainability. He called for stronger cooperation across SIDS regions and emphasized the central role of the AISCC as an innovative platform for climate action and diplomacy. Minister Joubert highlighted existing partnerships with ECA, IOC, and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) as examples of how African island nations are working together to mobilize resources and build collective resilience. He reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to lead the AISCC in a spirit of solidarity and inclusion, 'ensuring no island state is left behind.' United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, Li Junhua, who served as Secretary-General of both the UNOC3 and the Fourth International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4), reiterated the UN's full support for African SIDS. He noted that the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) is nearing completion, and that work is underway to establish governance mechanisms for implementing the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI). Li also pointed to reforms in the SIDS Partnership Framework as part of ongoing efforts to ensure more effective and accountable cooperation with the international community. Nassim Oulmane, Head of the Natural Resources, Green and Blue Economy Section at ECA, stated in his welcoming remarks that this Dialogue builds on momentum from key AISCC high-level events convened at the UNFCCC COP28, COP29, African Climate Summit, and 4th International SIDS Conference. He held that the region must continue strengthening regional and international cooperation, and unlock innovative, scalable solutions through tools like blue bonds and debt-for-ocean swaps, and other innovative mechanisms. 'ECA, in partnership with AISCC, is proud to support initiatives like the RESIslands project, funded by the GCF,' he said. 'Together, we are advancing integrated approaches to promote ocean health, sustainable development, and climate resilience—leaving no one behind.' In the ministerial panel, national leaders from across the region provided a grounded view of both challenges and opportunities. Nilda Borges da Mata, Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism of São Tomé and Príncipe, said that unity among African SIDS is key to advancing sustainable development. 'When we speak with one voice, we gain strength. When we share knowledge, we gain resilience. And when we cooperate, we attract the resources we need,' she said. Borges da Mata reaffirmed her country's support for the AISCC as a critical platform to promote regional cooperation on climate and ocean priorities. Guinea-Bissau's Minister of Environment, Biodiversity and Climate Action, Viriato Soares Cassamá, announced that his country will host the next Ministerial Meeting of the AISCC later this year. He revealed the upcoming meeting as a decisive moment for the AISCC to launch a Joint Declaration on Oceans and Climate, a Sustainable Finance Action Plan, and new governance mechanisms that include women, youth, and local voices. Maria Ebiaca Moete, State Secretary of Finance, Planning and Economic Development of Equatorial Guinea, emphasized the importance of investment in locally led, community-based solutions. 'We see the RESIslands Initiative as a key platform to channel investment into sustainable, locally led projects,' she said. Moete also called for the creation of a dedicated international funding mechanism for island states and urged development partners to design financing instruments that are simpler, more flexible, and more accessible for vulnerable island economies. Fabrice David, Junior Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy, and Fisheries of Mauritius, called for a shift in perception of SIDS from fragile to formidable. 'This is a critical moment for SIDS to show leadership as Big Ocean States,' he said. 'SDG14 remains the most underfunded of all global goals. That must change.' Minister David introduced the Blue Finance Hub initiative, developed with support from the Africa Natural Capital Alliance (ANCA) and FSD Africa, which he described as a promising model for catalyzing nature-positive investments in the blue economy, with potential for replication across other African island nations. The panel featured senior-level participation from Cabo Verde and Madagascar, too. In addition to the governmental interventions, the event included the United Nations Secretary-General Special Envoy for the Ocean, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the UN Resident Coordinator in Cabo Verde, as well as senior speakers from the Indian Ocean Commission, the Green Climate Fund, the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), the SIDS Hub at the Foreign, Commonwealth&Development Office of the United Kingdom, and the ANCA Secretariat of FSD Africa. Throughout the High-Level Dialogue, speakers stressed the urgency of rethinking the global financial system to respond more effectively to the realities of island nations, and the need for AIS SIDS to have a stronger voice in shaping international ocean and climate frameworks. The meeting reaffirmed the role of the AISCC as a unifying body for African Island States, driving forward shared strategies on SDG 14 and building a sustainable, climate-resilient blue future through partnership, innovation, and action. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
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Business Standard
18-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Best of BS Opinion: Inflation falls, oceans rise, and choppers crash
Some of the worst problems start not with action but inaction. Like when a lease is unsigned for weeks and you realise only when the lights go out. Or when a friend ghosts a group trip plan, promising to confirm 'tonight' but never circling back. These are not always malicious choices, just tiny, daily abandonments of duty. But whether it's a legal form or a social promise, an unsigned contract is often the first sign of deeper neglect. In our world today, such forgotten obligations are everywhere: in environmental governance, tourism safety, and even global diplomacy. Let's dive in. Take the RBI's surprise rate cut this June, double what markets expected. Governor Sanjay Malhotra insisted this wasn't a pivot but a preemptive balancing act. With inflation cooling and liquidity rising, the central bank cut the policy rate and CRR to inject Rs 2.5 trillion into the system. But as our first editorial notes, the unspoken truth is India still lacks a coherent inflation-management framework for the long haul, we're reacting, not planning. Tourism in Uttarakhand offers another chilling example. In our second editorial, the helicopter crash near Gaurikund is one in a growing pile of disasters. Despite five such incidents in six weeks, infrastructure keeps expanding into ecologically fragile zones. No ATC, no real-time weather systems, just speed, volume, and hope. Ten years after the Kedarnath floods, we're still drafting the same rules, never signing off on enforcement. Shyam Saran writes about the third UN Ocean Conference, where 170 nations pledged once more to protect our oceans. But like SDG 14 itself, it was heavy on declarations, light on delivery. India's plans sound good, more research, protected zones, and coastal empowerment, but with only four marine parks and 7,000 km of endangered coastline, we're still far from a real ocean contract. And while inflation falls to 2.8 per cent, as Rajesh Kumar explains, foreign investors are fleeing. A narrowing yield gap with the US, geopolitical churn, and rising global capital costs are eroding trust. India needs to seal its pact with investors through deeper reforms, not shallow incentives. Finally, Laveesh Bhandari's review of India's Finance Ministers III: Different Strokes (1998–2014) by A K Bhattacharya, shows how four key FMs shaped India between 1998 and 2014. But it also flags what's missing, coverage of the post-2014 years when economic policymaking became more centralised, more polarised, and arguably more opaque. The book remains engrossing, but more consequential chapters are still waiting to be written, perhaps in the next volume. Stay tuned!
Observer
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman highlights oceans role as carbon sinks
NICE: At the behest of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France. In Oman's speech, Dr Al Amri highlighted the Sultanate of Oman's pioneering efforts in preserving marine environments, protecting oceans and safeguarding marine biodiversity in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He noted that Oman was among the first countries to prioritise environmental protection, having issued 'the first legislation to protect marine environments from pollution" 53 years ago. The country has also established 'marine protected areas" spanning over 90,000 square kilometres to protect endangered species such as humpback whales and sea turtles. Additionally, Oman has banned all types of plastic shopping bags and set 2050 as its target year for achieving net-zero emissions. He pointed out that Oman launched the 'Oman Blue Carbon Project" to plant 100 million mangrove trees, aimed at carbon sequestration and protecting coastal ecosystems. These efforts have earned Oman high rankings in global environmental assessments. Furthermore, Oman was elected President of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) for its seventh session. He reaffirmed Oman's commitment to supporting "SDG 14", which focuses on conserving oceans and marine resources, including backing the 'Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement." Dr Al Amri also emphasised the need to remind the international community of the oceans' critical role as 'a major carbon sink," stressing Oman's dedication to supporting global efforts to maintain ocean health and sustain marine biodiversity. The conference's agenda included an opening session where Oman presented its national statement, outlining its stance on global marine issues while reaffirming support for SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and the Nice Action Plan. The five-day conference features 10 parallel high-level sessions (Ocean Action Panels) addressing various topics, including marine and coastal ecosystems, marine science and capacity-building, ocean financing and climate action. The event also includes exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational, economic and scientific activities. The third UN Ocean Conference, running until June 13, aims to accelerate global action to protect oceans and achieve SDG 14 (Life Below Water). — ONA
Maroc
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
UNOC-3: Morocco Champions Africa's Role in Inclusive, Scientific Ocean Governance
Morocco's steadfast commitment to Africa and its efforts to promote inclusive ocean governance took center stage at two high-level side events held on Tuesday in Nice, France, as part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3). Participating in both side events, Zakia Driouich, Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries, emphasized the joint efforts of states, environmental institutions, and civil society actors to make the ocean a lever for sustainable development, regional integration, and South-South solidarity. The first event, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection under the theme 'Innovation in Africa to Accelerate the Global Implementation of SDG 14,' provided an opportunity for Driouich to reaffirm Morocco's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 through innovation and African cooperation. Commending the Foundation's pioneering role, she underscored Africa's ambition to establish a cooperative model of ocean governance, as reflected in the Blue Africa Summit and the Tangier Declaration. Driouich also spoke of integrating technological, social, and institutional innovation at the core of African maritime strategies, while advocating for stronger African representation in international forums and the recognition of the continent's potential. Morocco, she stated, positions itself as a key driver of 'blue diplomacy,' placing the ocean at the service of sustainable development, peace, and sovereignty of African nations. Themed "Africa's blue ambition for UNOC3: Morocco's commitment to regional cooperation," the second side event was organized by the Secretary of State in charge of Maritime Fisheries. This meeting highlighted Morocco's promotion of inclusive ocean governance, based on science, diplomacy, the blue economy and South-South cooperation. These two events, which fully align with the Atlantic Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, helped put forth the African priorities at UNOC-3 and strengthen regional blue economy synergies while supporting the implementation of international ocean actions. MAP: 11 June 2025
Muscat Daily
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Oman reaffirms ocean protection pledge at UN Ocean Conference
Muscat – Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to ocean conservation and marine sustainability, Oman is taking part in the third United Nations Ocean Conference, currently underway in Nice, France. Delegated by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Dr Abdullah bin Ali al Amri, Chairman of the Environment Authority, is representing Oman at the high-level event, which runs until Friday. The conclave brings together world leaders, policymakers, and environmental experts to accelerate global efforts to protect the world's oceans under the Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). The five-day conference features 10 parallel Ocean Action Panels (OAPs) and plenary sessions focusing on key themes including marine and coastal ecosystems, ocean science and capacity building, finance and climate action, alongside exhibitions, side events, and cultural, educational and scientific activities. In his address to the conference, Amri spotlighted Oman's pioneering efforts to safeguard marine biodiversity and ecosystems. He recalled that Oman was among the first countries to legislate protection of the marine environment, having enacted its first such law 53 years ago. 'Oman has declared marine nature reserves spanning more than 90,000sqkm to protect endangered species such as humpback whales, sea turtles and coral reefs,' he said. He also noted the nationwide ban on plastic shopping bags and the country's ambitious target of achieving net-zero pollution by 2050. Among Oman's flagship initiatives, Amri highlighted the 'Oman Blue Carbon' project, which aims to plant 100mn mangrove trees to boost carbon sequestration and enhance coastal resilience. These sustained efforts, he said, have positioned Oman among the world's leading nations in marine protection stringency and biodiversity conservation. He also underlined Oman's growing leadership on the global environmental stage, citing its recent election as President of the United Nations Environment Assembly during its seventh session. Amri reiterated Oman's unwavering support for SDG 14 and international marine agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdictions (BBNJ). He emphasised the role of oceans as a major regulator of the global carbon cycle and called for renewed international cooperation to preserve ocean health and marine life for future generations. The sultanate also delivered a national statement during the opening session of the conference, reaffirming its support for the Nice Plan of Action and shared global commitments to protect 'Life Below Water'.
