UN Secretary General calls for action to protect world’s oceans

Abstract

United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, called on the international community to protect the oceans from further abuse, and enable humankind to live in harmony with the oceans that sustain them. Speaking at a Blue Economy event organized by Seychelles on the margins of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa Saturday night, Mr. Guterres said for its part the United Nations will in June convene the Oceans Conference in Lisbon to ensure nations comes together to safeguard the world’s oceans and maritime environments. Mr. Guterres said the world’s oceans were a massive resource for sustainable development and a crucial buffer against climate change. The Blue Economy has been described as the “new frontier of African Renaissance”, with the potential to create wealth, promote trade, generate economic growth and transform lives. Africa has 38 coastal and island States and is well-placed to reap these benefits, said the UN Secretary General.