Doha: Represented by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), the State of Qatar is participating in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, which commenced on Monday in Nice, France, and will run until June 13. HE Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie is leading Qatar’s delegation at the conference.

According to Qatar News Agency, the conference aims to accelerate international efforts to protect the oceans and ensure their sustainable use, in support of achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on conserving the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The discussions will cover several key themes, including the advancement of ocean-related multilateral processes, mobilizing funding for SDG14, and fostering the development of a sustainable blue economy. Additionally, the conference will address the strengthening and dissemination of marine science knowledge to improve policy-making.

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) serves as the framework for the conference’s work. Various events are organized to integrate marine science into the core of international ocean protection initiatives and efforts. The conference is being held at a crucial time, marking the midpoint of the Decade of Ocean Science, providing an opportunity to assess progress, review the impact of existing initiatives, and accelerate the implementation of desired goals by developing the scientific knowledge needed to ensure a sustainable future for the oceans.