Vietnam highlights UNCLOS’s role in Goal 14 realization

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy.

He said Vietnam highly commends the Conference’s draft "Call for Action" and fully shared the view on the implementation of Goal 14, which is to conserve and ensure sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources. He stressed the need of strong partnership and cooperation among and between governments, enterprises, international and regional organizations as well as all other stakeholders in implementing this task.

Deputy Minister Dang Dinh Quy noted the legal basis for this partnership and activities should be the universally recognized interpretation and application of international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.

“Since it exists numerous areas of disputed water in the world, the compliance to and the implementation of duties under UNCLOS to ensure maritime security and safety, and create a peaceful marine environment for cooperation and partnership would not be possible without peace and stability,” he added.

To successfully implement the "Call for Action", Deputy Minister Dang Dinh Quy highlighted the importance of raising awareness in the society, especially local communities, on the need for conserving and sustaining the use of oceans, sea, and marine resources.

It is necessary to promote cooperative mechanisms at international, regional and sub-regional levels, especially in disputed waters, to maintain peace, stability, and development.

Meanwhile, developed countries should be encouraged to enhance capacity building, transfer of modern marine technology to developing and least-developed countries, thus helping strengthen their ocean-based sustainable economies, resilience to climate change and contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and seas, Mr. Dang Dinh Quy said.

According to the Deputy Minister, Vietnam has integrated the SGDs into its national development plans and strategies. It has enacted the National Action Plan to implement SDGs of the 2030 Agenda, including Goal 14.

Within the framework of this conference, the country has committed to implement the project “Development of Locally Managed Areas for Restoration and Sustainable Use of Coastal Eco-systems with Involvement of Local Stakeholders”. It will continue to register other voluntary commitments to implement Goal 14, Deputy Minister added.

The UN Ocean Conference from June 5-9 is set to approve a statement on the formation of the “Call for Action” that supports the implementation of Goal 14. A list of voluntary commitments to achieve Goal 14 will also be announced at the event.