Nice, France — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng has laid out four significant proposals aimed at promoting sustainable ocean governance during his address at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on Monday.
Emphasizing the shared responsibility in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG14 which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources, Han highlighted the importance of global collaboration. He referenced President Xi Jinping’s vision that the oceans connect humanity, forming a community with a shared future.
Han’s four proposals are as follows:
Ensuring Peaceful and Secure Oceans: He called for all nations to practice true multilateralism and adhere to international maritime laws to provide a solid foundation for SDG14.
Promoting Universal Prosperity: Han urged for enhanced maritime connectivity and practical cooperation, pledging that China will support developing countries, including small island developing states, through bilateral and multilateral initiatives to implement the SDGs.
Fostering Cultural Exchange: He emphasized respecting the diversity of maritime civilizations and establishing more platforms for maritime dialogue to create an environment where different cultures can meet and flourish.
Preserving a Clean and Beautiful Ocean: Han announced that China will utilize the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund to collaborate with international organizations in promoting maritime governance and green development.
Additionally, Han Zheng highlighted China’s commitment to providing training opportunities for developing nations to enhance their capabilities in sustainable maritime development. He also expressed China’s support for the early implementation and effectiveness of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).
Han’s address underscored China’s dedication to working collaboratively with the global community to achieve ocean sustainability and contribute to the overall health of our planet’s marine ecosystems.
