Norwegian contribution to the UN Ocean Conference Plenary Meeting

                                                                                             Sjekkes mot fremføring

Excellencies, 
government representatives,
distinguished guests,
ladies and gentlemen,

In a world that seems erratic and uncertain, it is more important than ever to double down on what we know for sure.

One of those things is the importance of the ocean.

It is vital for the global climate, food security, nutrition and for the global economy.

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Norway is an ocean nation with a track record of responsible resource management, and with strong investments in building a sustainable ocean economy.

The science is clear: the ocean is taking a heavy toll from human activity.

Yet, it is not too late. We should let our optimism be the engine for action.

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Ocean knowledge is the foundation for sustainable ocean management and of the highest priority for Norway.

I encourage all States to do the same.

Norway is strongly committed to international cooperation in a broad range of ocean-related issues.

The effective implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, “the constitution of the oceans” is crucial. National implementation is of outmost importance.

Together with the Pacific island state of Palau, we are heading the Ocean Panel, committed to sustainably manage 100% of the ocean area under national jurisdiction.  We encourage all island and costal states to join this goal.

We also believe in setting an example and leading the way.

Our knowledge-based and sustainable management of our fisheries is an example.

Norway also actively works to address fisheries crime and is the custodian of the International Minister declaration against transnational organized crime in the Global fishing Industry. The declaration is supported by the Blue Justice initiative which provides capacity building and satellite surveillance tools to the member countries.

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Norway welcomes the OECD recommendation on eliminating government support to IUU fishing. We commit to implementing the recommendation, which calls for strong measures to prevent public resources from unintentionally benefitting dishonest actors. These measures will also contribute to the implementation of some of the key disciplines of the 2022 WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which we hope will enter into force in the next few months. 

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Let me be clear, the UN is essential for dealing with the challenges related to the ocean.

That is why this conference is so indispensable – vital for the progress and pace of all international ocean processes, such as the BBNJ agreement. I am proud to say that Norway ratified this agreement last week. There is a great momentum here in Nice. We need to collectively work for its entry into force and its effective implementation.

We are also heavily vested in the success of the plastic pollution treaty negotiations. Concluding an effective plastic pollution treaty, at the last negotiating session in August, will be a win for multilateralism, the environment and human health.

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As geopolitical and economic challenges loom, we must not step away from the long perspective.

The ocean can bounce back, and it will if we let it.

That is our job, together.

Thank you.

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