The ocean is a lifeline for millions of people and economies in the Asia-Pacific region. But the health of the ocean is
in serious decline - and we now stand at a critical juncture to mobilize much-needed action, partnerships and innovative
science-based solutions to protect our future.
Over the past few years, the region has taken concrete steps to protect our ocean. The Economic and Social Commission
for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has forged consensus among countries in the region, through a resolution adopted in
2020, to collectively work together in conserving and sustainably using the ocean, seas and marine resources for
sustainable development, as well as to accelerate implementation of the ten SDG14 target areas. Countries also
recognized the importance of low-carbon solutions for maritime connectivity when adopting a new Regional Action
Programme on sustainable transport development last year, and further called for aligning finance with our ocean,
climate and broader SDG aspirations.
The ocean is at the heart of our work at ESCAP. This year, ESCAP submitted a new voluntary commitment to continue to
convene Governments and other stakeholders in Asia and the Pacific to enhance regional cooperation on ocean work. This
comes on the back of the successful implementation of a similar commitment made at the first Global Ocean Conference in
2017.
During the Lisbon dialogues, ESCAP will guarantee that the voices from Asia and the Pacific are heard, and will further
showcase innovative initiatives undertaken through the Regional Decade Program to support the implementation of the UN
Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in Asia-Pacific (2021- 2030), the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership
and the annual Asia-Pacific Day for the Ocean.