World Ocean Council (WOC) CEO Paul Holthus was invited to speak to the U.N. General Assembly on the occasion of the U.N. Ocean Conference, in recognition of the WOC role in ocean sustainable development. Mr Holthus emphasized the importance of business leadership and collaboration in addressing the challenges of ocean sustainability, science and stewardship, noting that “Every day is World Ocean Day at the World Ocean Council”.
The CEO of Global Environment Facility (GEF) also spoke at WOC event on “Financing Ocean Sustainable Development” being convened at the U.N. Ocean Conference on 8 June. This leading ocean finance session at the conference brings together a panel of key investment and industry representatives.
Naoko Ishii, GEF CEO and Chairperson noted that the GEF is investing in a blue economy that delivers both environmental protection and jobs and she expressed her delight that GEF is part of new initiatives, like the Meloy Fund for sustainable fisheries, the Seychelles blue bond and the Blue Abadi Fund, that will not only protect vast marine resources, but also lay the foundation for livelihoods of millions of people.
“But we need to do more” she continued, “In order to achieve scale, we need to learn lessons from our partners, private sector partners and platforms, who are now marshalling vast sums of investment towards sustainable solutions for the world’s oceans.”
The WOC has registered the following Voluntary Commitments via the U.N. Ocean Conference:
- Developing SDG Objectives and Metrics with and for the Ocean Business Community
- Global Industry Programs to Address Transboundary, Multi-Sectoral Ocean Pollution, including Plastics/Shipborne Wastes, Biofouling/Invasive Species, Marine Sound
- Smart Ocean-Smart Industries: Engaging Industry in Improving Ocean, Weather and Climate Knowledge in Support of Sustainable Development and Disaster Reduction
- Young Ocean Professionals for Sustainable Development
