Intervention by the Micronesian delegation
New York, 17 January 2025
Esteemed Co-facilitators,
I would like to express Micronesia’s alignment with the perspectives articulated on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, the PSIDS and AOSIS. On this occasion, I wish to make a statement in my national capacity.
Micronesia would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to you and your dedicated team for the extensive work you have undertaken on the zero draft. My delegation and I appreciate the draft’s concise nature and its action-oriented focus, particularly as it pertains to the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), which is fundamental to our shared vision for the ocean.
The ocean is not merely a body of water; it is a vital lifeline supporting all forms of life on Earth. Its protection is crucial for the well-being and livelihoods of communities, especially those whose cultures and traditions are intrinsically tied to the sea. For my people, the ocean serves as a source of sustenance, a cornerstone of cultural practices, and a foundation for economic activities. We firmly believe that engaging Indigenous Peoples and local communities in ocean action is essential. Their traditional knowledge and expertise in conservation and sustainable use practices provide invaluable insights that complement scientific approaches, rather than being relegated to a background or secondary role. It is also imperative to respect and uphold all of the rights of those Peoples and communities when carrying out such ocean action, ensuring their voices resonate in decisions that impact their marine resources and traditional maritime territories.
The declaration must acknowledge the serious challenges posed by the effects of climate change on the ocean, its biodiversity, and coastal communities, including warming, deoxygenation, and sea-level rise. As Small Island Developing States (SIDS), we find ourselves at the forefront of this global crisis. Our communities are continually confronted by the relentless effects of climate change, which threaten our food security, national economy and essentially, our livelihoods. Our livelihoods depend on the bearings of our lands and ocean, which are in a dire state.
We commend the zero draft for recognizing the unique and critical realities faced by SIDS. Furthermore, we appreciate the draft’s consistent acknowledgment of the singular global ocean, which resonates with the principles laid out in the 2022 UN Ocean Conference Declaration.
Co-facilitators,
While Micronesia views the zero draft as promising and a step in the right direction, we believe that further enhancements are necessary to fortify essential areas within the document, ensuring it effectively addresses our needs and challenges. We will provide our proposals in due course.
I thank you.
