Vietnam reaffirms commitments on development of blue and sustainable oceans

Vietnamese representatives reaffirmed the nation’s commitments to developing blue and sustainable oceans while attending the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in Lisbon from June 27 to July 1.

The UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14)

Upon addressing the UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), including how to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources, Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu underlined the need to fully and effectively implement the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This can be viewed as a comprehensive legal framework for all activities at sea and a prerequisite to ensure peace, security, and prosperity, as well as the effective implementation of the SDG14.

The country backs negotiations to develop new legal frameworks in line with the UNCLOS, including a document on biodiversity of areas outside national jurisdiction, as well as a global agreement on ocean plastic waste, Deputy Minister Hieu said. He highlighted the nation’s efforts over recent times in uniting with the international community to deal with marine issues.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, permanent representative of Vietnam to the UN, stated that in recent years the country has made efforts to realize the SDG14, including the implementation of a strategy relating to the sustainable development of the Vietnamese marine economy towards 2030.

In response to marine challenges, it remains essential to speed up the implementation of international conventions, take full advantage of scientific and technological developments, as well as conducting new research.

The Vietnamese delegation therefore called for the strengthening of international co-operation, technological transfer, and expertise sharing, especially for developing countries. This should be done whilst simultaneously enhancing the scientific content in marine policy planning and implementation.

Antonio Guterres, secretary general of the UN, made four proposals aimed at helping deal with the current ocean emergency, including investing in sustainable economy and making use of the ocean as a model for managing global issues. The other proposals include protecting the oceans and those depending on them, as well investing in early warning systems in a bid to protect coastal communities.

Countries participating in the event affirmed that the oceans play an important role in peace, security, health, environment, and sustainable development, as well as the prosperity of all nations globally.

As current cross-border challenges cannot simply be solved by a single country and have been greatly exacerbated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, they called for the promotion of international ties, marine scientific research, and building a sustainable blue economy to mitigate and address these challenges.

The UN conference witnessed the participation of nearly 20 heads of state, approximately 100 foreign, environment and natural resources ministers, along with thousands of representatives from countries, international organisations, and related parties.

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