The conference brought together more than 50 heads of state and government, leaders of international organisations, and around 100,000 delegates from 120 countries and territories participating in related events.

The conference seeks to address marine and ocean challenges through finance and science & technology; and accelerate the ratification of the 2023 High Seas Treaty, which requires 60 ratifications to take effect by the deadline of September 20, 2025. So far, only 32 countries have ratified the document.

It aims to end harmful subsidies to the global fisheries industry, which is considered a main cause of resource depletion. It is also expected to promote innovative ocean finance solutions, such as blue bonds and green loans to close the funding gap for marine conservation, one of the least-funded SDGs.

At the opening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the revitalisation of multilateralism and the establishment of a free and open ocean partnership, stressing that protecting the climate and biodiversity is not a matter of opinion, but a scientifically established fact.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the global community to act more decisively, transforming hope into action, shifting from exploitation to protection, from exclusion to equity, and from short-term gain to long-term governance. He also called for increased public funding and greater support from development banks and the private sector.

UN General Assembly President Philemon Yang emphasised the need to enhance capacity and resources for developing countries, ensuring effective international cooperation to achieve SDG 14.

On the first day, the Prime Minister of Vietnam is scheduled to deliver an important speech at the plenary session. He will also co-chair a summit on delta regions alongside the President of Iraq, and witness the official handover of Vietnam’s ratification document for the High Seas Treaty.

Vietnam affirms commitment to global ocean protection efforts

VOV.VN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to being a trusted partner, ready to join global efforts to protect the oceans, at Plenary Session 4 of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum held in the Principality of Monaco on June 8.