The presentation of the draft Inter-Agency Plan of Action (IAPoA) for achieving the trade-related targets of Sustainable Development Goal 14 was held by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on 13^th June at Palais des Nations, Geneva.  

The three agencies have been working on IAPoA in response to the request by Member States and other stakeholders at the Second Oceans Forum in July 2018, with a view to accelerating the implementation of trade-related targets of SDG 14.  

Director of UNCTAD Division on International Trade and Commonities Ms. Pamela Coke-Hamilton joined by Mr. Audun Lem, Deputy-Director of FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department and Mr. Steven Stone, Chief of Resources and Markets Branch at UNEP, called for resources and support from stakeholders to facilitate the achievement of SDG 14 through “improved trade and trade-related policies that safeguard food security and contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, living marine resources and livelihoods”. An overview of the IAPoA and main outputs by each agency have then been presented in the event.

Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Director of FAO Geneva office concluded the event by highlighting the importance of the joint efforts by UN agencies in achieving sustainable goals set in 2030 Agenda. “This is a good opportunity of working together and maximizing the expertise of three organizations to accelerate the implementation of trade-related aspects of SDG 14.” said Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett.