The Ocean Conference is co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal. The overarching theme of the Conference is "Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions".
Objectives
The Commonwealth Secretariat works with the Commonwealth countries through the Blue Charter towards a fair, inclusive, and sustainable approach to ocean protection and economic development. Through the Commonwealth Blue Charter, our governments are leading on ocean actions, developing and sharing best practices, and scaling up projects.
At the UN Ocean Conference, the Commonwealth Secretariat will:
- Deepen the level of engagement with governments and partners and secure commitments (financial and political)
- Share progress, through our events, on ocean action and agree on key collective priorities for the upcoming year
- Demonstrate how the work of the Commonwealth countries support and enhance the international processes
- Promote the Commonwealth Blue Charter as one of the major international ocean initiatives to encourage engagement and support
- Raise the profile of the Commonwealth countries as significant global ocean actors.
Highlighted Commonwealth and associated ocean events
The Commonwealth Blue Charter has the privilege to share the below information regarding events we are either hosting, co-hosting or relate to our 10 Action Group thematic areas.
Kindly continue to check this space for the most up-to-date information.
The full list of UN Ocean official side events and plenaries can be found on the UN Ocean website.
Monday 27 June
8am-10am – Climate financing for ocean adaptation measures – Breakfast MeetingEvent Partner(s): Ocean Acidification Alliance Venue: Olissippo Oriente Hotel (2 blocks from the Altice Arena) To express interest in participating, please RSVP to [email protected] |
6.30pm-8.15pm – From Ambition to Action: Ending Plastic Pollution in All EnvironmentsThis panel will discuss the role of youth leadership in affecting needed change, and the roles of other actors. Event Partner(s): Environmental Investigation Agency and Common Seas Venue: Ikonik Hotel, Av. Mediterrâneo 1.12.04, 1990-221 Lisboa, Portugal |
Tuesday 28 June
8am-9:30am – Commonwealth Blue Charter Champions and Partners Strategy - Breakfast MeetingInvitation only; hosted by the Commonwealth Blue Charter Venue: Myriad by SANA By invitation only – please contact the Blue Charter team for more details |
12pm-12.45pm – Decision-making using global coral reef data and their application as a government decision making tool - Part AEvent Partner(s): Allen Coral Atlas and Commonwealth Blue Charter Venue: Reef Action Hub, Sala 2, R. do Bojador 47, 1990-254 Lisbon. Located on the first floor of the PT Meeting Center. |
1pm-3pm – The Future and Ocean We (All) Want: Inclusion and Integration for Strong, Sustainable and Equitable Blue EconomiesEvent Partner(s): One Ocean Hub |
1.15pm-2.45pm – Biodiversity for a Resilient Planet: A Deeper Look Event Partner(s): The Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI)Venue: Jose Mariano Gago Auditorium, Pavilhão do Conhecimento, 600m south of the Altice Arena |
5.30pm-7.30pm – Addressing the Global Coral Crisis: Working Rapidly with National GovernmentsEvent Partner(s): Hosted in collaboration with Coral Reef Protection and Restoration Action Group Champions Australia, Belize and Mauritius |
Wednesday 29 June
11.30pm-12.45pm – Driving positive ocean action: the challenges and opportunities of sustainable finance for 30by30 and blue economiesHosted by the Fiji Government and the UK Government Event Partner(s): Bloomberg Philanthropies Vibrant Oceans Initiative, ORRAA, UNEP, WAITT Venue: The Committee Room, Altice Arena |
1pm-2.30pm – Financing the Blue Economy in Asia and the PacificEvent Partner(s): The Asian Development Bank Venue: Auditório José Mariano Gago, Knowledge Pavilion (Pavilhão do Conhecimento), Centro Ciência Viva More details on this webpage. Kindly register here to confirm your attendance. |
1.30pm-2.45pm – Trade facilitation for a sustainable blue economyEvent Partner(s): World Trade Organisation (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Venue: Room 2, Blue Zone of the Altice Arena (main conference venue). |
2.30pm-3.45pm – Taking Action to Address Ocean Acidification & Implement SDG 14.3The Startup Festival is a celebration of Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the amazing contributions of Commonwealth Youth to addressing some of the world's greatest challenges brought to life through a collaboration of various ecosystem partners. Event Partner: OA Alliance Venue: Committee Room, Blue Zone of Altice Arena (main conference venue) |
4pm-5.10pm – Sustainable Blue Economy Investment ForumEvent Partner(s): Prince Albert Trust Venue: Estoril Congress Centre in Cascais, Portugal Website for live stream - Coming soon. |
4pm-5.15pm – Viewing Coral Decision Making Tools and Data, Through Global, National and Local Approaches – Part BEvent Partner(s): Commonwealth Blue Charter and Allen Coral Atlas Venue: Reef Action Hub, Sala 2, R. do Bojador 47, 1990-254 Lisbon. Located on the first floor of the PT Meeting Center. |
5.30pm-6.45pm – Islands of the future – Blue Solutions and Highest Ambition on Climate ChangeHosted by the Governments of Vanuatu, Tuvalu and St. Kitts and Nevis Event Partner(s): Pacific Island Climate Action Network, The Stimson Center, Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund , Commonwealth Blue Charter Venue: Main Committee Room, Altice Conference Centre |
Thursday 30 June
8am-9.30am – Assessing Pathways for long-term rapid climate resilience solutions for SIDS and coastal cities – Breakfast MeetingEvent Partner(s): Commonwealth Blue Charter, Stimson Center; Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance Venue: Olissippo Hotels (Avenida da República 15, 1050-185 Lisbon, Portugal) |
4pm-5.15pm – Commonwealth Blue Charter: A success story for troubled watersHosted by Commonwealth Blue Charter Venue: Committee Room, Blue Zone of the Altice Arena (main conference venue). No registration required. All accredited individuals can attend. |
Friday 1 July
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2.45 – 3.15pm – Supporting women is protecting coral reefs Event Partner(s): Women in Ocean Science Venue: Reef Action Hub, Sala 2, R. do Bojador 47, 1990-254 Lisbon. Located on the first floor of the PT Meeting Center. |
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2.30 – 3.45pm – Leveraging Human Rights & Gender Equity to Achieve SDG 14 Event Partner(s): Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC); Women in Ocean Science C.I.C.; Danish Institute for Human Rights (DIHR) Venue: Side Event Room 1, Blue Zone of the Altice Arena |
