The theme of the conference is partnering for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has a key role to play given its work on the sustainable use of marine resources upon which millions of people around the world depend for food security and for livelihoods.

Crucially, FAO is supporting countries to develop and implement the Blue Growth agenda aimed at eliminating harmful fishing practices and overfishing while fostering approaches that promote growth, improve conservation, and support adaptation to climate change.

FAO has also been instrumental in brokering the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA), which went into force in June 2016.

The Conference will include a high-level FAO participation.

In particular, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva will:

• Address the Ocean Conference Plenary  - 7 June, 17:40 (exact time to be confirmed), UN Headquarters
• Speak at a side-event on the PSMA and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (8 June, 8:30 UN Headquarters).

FAO experts will also be involved in several Partnership Dialogues including two scheduled for 7 June – the first: Making fisheries sustainable; and the second: Increasing economic benefits to Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries and providing access for small-scale artisanal farmers to marine resources and markets. 

FAO will also be leading a side-event on Rebuilding Fisheries for People and the Environment on June 5.

Please click here for the FAO events calendar at the Conference.

For interviews with FAO experts please contact:

Seockhwan Hwang

tel: (+1 917) 340 3373

[email protected]

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