UN Ocean Conference

The Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, comes at a critical time as the world is seeking to address many of the deep-rooted problems of our societies laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and which will require major structural transformations and common shared solutions that are anchored in the SDGs. To mobilize action, the Conference will seek to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action.

For all available information on Ocean Conference events taking place both in-person in Lisbon, Portugal, and virtually, visit the official website: un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022/about

Pre-registration for eligible NGOs, civil society, and stakeholder organizations to participate in the 2022 UN Ocean Conference is now open. Deadline is 16 May 2022!

Pre-register here: un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022/participate

About the 2022 UN Ocean Conference

The ocean covers 70 percent of the Earth’s surface, is the planet’s largest biosphere, and is home to up to 80 percent of all life in the world. It generates 50 percent of the oxygen we need, absorbs 25 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions and captures 90 percent of the additional heat generated from those emissions. It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink – a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change.

It nurtures unimaginable biodiversity and produces food, jobs, mineral and energy resources needed for life on the planet to survive and thrive. There is a great deal we still do not know about the ocean but there are many reasons why we need to manage it sustainably – as set out in the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

The science is clear – the ocean is facing unprecedented threats as a result of human activities. Its health and ability to sustain life will only get worse as the world population grows and human activities increase. If we want to address some of the most defining issues of our time such as climate change, food insecurity, diseases and pandemics, diminishing biodiversity, economic inequality and even conflicts and strife, we must act now to protect the state of our ocean.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org.

World Maritime Day: Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the professionalism and sacrifice of the two million seafarers who serve on the world’s merchant fleet. Shipping has continued to transport more than 80% of world trade, including vital medical supplies, food and other basic goods that are critical for the COVID-19 response and recovery – but hundreds of thousands of seafarers face a humanitarian crisis as they have been stranded at sea, unable to get off the ships they operate with contracts extended by many months. This needs to be addressed urgently, through Governments designating seafarers as essential workers and ensuring safe crew changes can take place.

The theme for this year, “Seafarers at the core of shipping’s future,” reflects a clear need to raise awareness of seafarersʹ crucial role in world trade and increase their visibility. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the crew change crisis in 2020 has highlighted seafarersʹ exceptional contribution as key and essential workers on the front line of delivering vital goods through a pandemic and in ordinary times. The international community has seen how the ability for shipping services and seafarers to ensure the functioning of the global supply chains has been central to responding to, and eventually overcoming, this pandemic. This could not happen without the professionalism and dedication of the world’s seafarers.

The World Maritime theme for 2021 will provide the opportunity to focus on seafarers as the people at the heart of shipping, while also allowing for activities to delve into specific topics relevant to the role of the seafarer in safety, maritime security, environmental protection and seafarersʹ well-being; and the future of seafaring against a backdrop of increased digitalization and automation. The theme also links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on education and training; SDG 8 related to decent work; SDG 9 on innovation and industry, which links to the promotion of a resilient maritime sector; and SDG 5 on gender equality, linked to efforts to promote seafaring as a career for all, including women, in particular.

To learn more about the IMO, the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention, and why/how the UN commemorates World Maritime Day, please visit un.org/en/observances/maritime-day.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit facebook.com/NGOCoRIP. For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-Vienna, please visit congocsd.wordpress.com. For more information on the NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, please visit ngocdps.wordpress.com.

Financing Nature-based Solutions is Path to Holistic and Equitable Recovery from Pandemic

Financing Nature-based Solutions is Path to Holistic and Equitable Recovery from Pandemic: COVID recovery and our planet’s repair must be the two sides of the same coin

A Side-Event of the ECOSOC 2021 Financing for Development Forum from the NGO Committee on Financing for Development – Climate Finance Working Group, Co-Sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations & the Permanent Mission of Jamaica to the United Nations

This side-event will showcase climate adaptation finance focusing on nature-based solutions as holistic and greener path to restore well-being of peoples and recovery from COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists will speak to their organizational initiative on financing NbS, current initiative, success as well as challenges and gaps. It is the hope of this forum to present recommendations calling all stakeholders to finance a more robust and stronger holistic and greener response to pandemic recovery and protection of nature while addressing the socio-economic aspects.

Speakers:

Introduction & Welcome: Marvie L. Misolas, Lead Organizer
Moderator: Ms. Gail Davis-Carter
Keynote Speaker: Ms. Zdenka Piskulich, Executive Director, Costa Rica Por Siempre –
H.E. Ambassador Rodrigo A. Carazo, Permanent Representative, Mission of Costa Rica to the UN
H. E. Ambassador E. Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative, Mission of Jamaica to the UN
Glaston White, Director, Half Moon Bay Fishermen’s Cooperative, a Community-based Reef Restoration Initiative in Jamaica
Brandon Hay, Science Officer, Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation
Paul Smith, Adaptation Finance Team Lead, UNEP Finance Initiative
Martina Dorigo, Program Analyst, Adaptation Fund

Organizers:

Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic, Inc., United Religions Initiative, ManUpCampaign, ListenGive Initiative & The Creators 2020 UN SDGs Arts & Youth Initiative, Global Distribution Advocates, Inc., United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, Africa Development Interchange Network

Co-Sponsoring Organizations: Misean Cara, Don Bosco Aid Ireland, Salesian Missions, Inc.

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CoNGO Notes: For more information on the NGO Committee on Financing for Development, please visit ngosonffd.org. For more ngocsdvienna.org. For more information on the NGO Committee on Sustainable Development-NY, please visit ngocsd-ny.org.

coral reefs