During the Global Oceans Action Summit, world leaders called for action and taking responsibilities in protecting the oceans and food security on Thursday in The Hague.
One month after the Nuclear Security Summit, the Netherlands hosts another global summit. More than 70 global leaders, ocean practitioners, scientists, and representatives from government, business, civil society and international organizations came together from April 22 to 25 to discuss solutions for a cleaner ocean and food security.
The Global Oceans Action Summit is organized by the Dutch government in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Bank and the governments of Grenada, Indonesia, Mauritius, Norway and the United States.
Why a summit on the oceans? According to the summit organizers the current health of the oceans is critical and food security is at stake for future generations.
“Healthy oceans are essential for global food security, livelihoods and economic growth,” said the organizers, dding “The oceans cover some 72 percent of the Earth’s surface, and are both an engine for global economic growth and a key source of food security. Ocean health and productivity must be at the heart of global efforts to eradicate poverty, strengthen food security and build resistance to climate change.”
On the penultimate day of the summit, Sharon Dijksma, the Dutch State Secretary for Economic Affairs, dealing with agriculture, nature and food quality, called for action.
“It takes courage to look beyond borders and to work together to take action for healthier oceans and food security,” she said. “Action should be taken. We must move forward, starting today.”
The following oceans summit will be organized by the United States on June 16 and 17 in Washington this year.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry addressed the attendees in The Hague with a video message.
“Ultimately what we need is a new global ocean policy agenda,” Kerry stated. “And the kind of clear and comprehensive agenda I talk about cannot be developed without the input of governments, the private sector, civil society leaders and other stakeholders around the world.”
“Protecting the ocean is not only an environmental issue,” Kerry added. “It is en economic issue, a global health issue, a food security issue and above all a moral responsibility. I am looking forward to hearing the outcome of the summit and carry your ideas forward in June.”
The participants are expected to publish a joint final statement with possibly agreements and measures on Friday, when the Summit will be closed. [PNA/Xinhua]
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