UN Oceans Conference

The conference aims to gather inputs from this high political forum on the importance of oceans and the drive to preserve marine life and ocean's resources for future generations.

Issues expected to be discussed include identifying ways and means to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and building on existing successful partnerships and stimulate innovative and concrete new partnerships to advance the implementation of Goal 14.

600 commitments from countries, businesses and civil society groups have so far been received, that target issues ranging from protecting coral reefs, strengthening sustainable fisheries, reducing plastic pollution, and addressing the impact of climate change.

Fiji's president of the UN general assembly Peter Thompson says the conference will begin the process of reversing the cycle of oceanic decline by producing practical solutions.

The Conference will result in a Call for Action that will be formally adopted at its conclusion on Friday.

The historic event is targeted towards rallying global action to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water.

The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) through its Pacific sub-regional office are partnering together to implement several different initiatives to support Pacific island countries as they prepare for the UN Oceans Conference.

Co-hosted by the Governments of Fiji and Sweden, the UN Oceans Conference will be held in New York from 5 to 7 June this year.