It is time for the global community to role back the tide of neglect and preserve our marine resources, not only for ourselves but for the generations to come.
Those were the words of the United Nations Ocean Conference, President, Voreqe Bainimarama during the opening of the conference in New York.
Addressing the United Nations Oceans Conference the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted how climate change poses the biggest threat the world has ever known.
Bainimarama says climate change and the state of our oceans cannot be separated as they are interlinked.
The prime minister acknowledged co hosts Sweden for their contribution in the ocean conference.
He says although the two countries come from opposite ends of the earth they are united in determination to meet this challenge head on. Meanwhile the Swedish Deputy PM described this partnership as a “game changer” to push other countries for the implementation of the UN’s 14th Sustainable Development Goal to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
Earlier on delegates and participants from around the world were traditionally welcomed by Fiji at the opening of the UN Oceans Conference.This is the first time that a traditional ceremony of welcome has ever been performed on the floor of the UN General Assembly.