Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa has expressed his approval of the inaugural meeting of Ocean ministers from the Pacific region, a significant step as they prepare for the upcoming 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, scheduled for June 2025. This historic gathering aims to solidify the Pacific’s position not only as a region facing ocean-related challenges, such as climate change and marine pollution, but also as a leader in developing effective solutions.
During the meeting, Waqa emphasized the critical role Pacific nations play as stewards of nearly 20 percent of the Earth’s ocean surface, highlighting their collective responsibility to uphold ocean health. He framed the gathering not merely as a political event, but as a “defining moment” for the region, linking the health of the ocean to the identity and cultural legacy of Pacific communities.
Waqa underscored the urgency for the ministers to transform discussions into actionable strategies, stating, “These are not just aspirational words; they are an intergenerational responsibility.” He called for regional unity and collaboration to protect the ocean, reflecting the Pacific’s unique challenges and resources. This meeting is especially timely, considering the increasing threats posed by illegal fishing, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
The ministers were encouraged to adopt a cross-sectoral approach to ocean governance, marking a milestone as this meeting integrated all ocean-related sectors for cooperative dialogue and strategy development. Additionally, highlighted initiatives include refining communication strategies for the upcoming UN Oceans Conference and prioritizing solutions that promote climate finance, gender equality, youth engagement, and effective ocean governance.
Waqa acknowledged previous initiatives like the Pacific Resilience Facility as frameworks that have illustrated the region’s commitment to global leadership in safeguarding marine environments. He reiterated the vision of the “2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific,” affirming that unity among Pacific nations is their greatest strength in addressing ocean challenges.
This formative meeting not only serves as a preparation platform for UNOC 3 but also aims to empower Pacific nations to showcase their solutions, reinforcing their central role in global discussions on ocean health and sustainability.
Overall, the gathering reflects hope for a coordinated approach to nurturing marine ecosystems, ensuring that future generations in the Pacific can thrive amidst pressing environmental challenges.
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