UNOC3 kicks off: What it expects from Solomon Islands
By Fredrick Kusu
In Nice, France
Solomon Islands is participating in the negotiation process of the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) that started today to support the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
The Solomon Islands delegation led by the Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele consisted of government ministers, officials from various ministries.
Manele earlier told the local media that he expected to announce Solomon Islands’ ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
It will also announce a moratorium on deep sea-bed-mining, a proposed undertaking that requires sufficient evidence and technology to eventuate.
The delegation will also update the conference on the implementation of its Ocean Policy.
This policy outlines the country’s commitment to achieve national and global related sustainable development goals on socio-economic development, food security, climate change resilience and adaptation including the protection and conservation of the environment.
In its commitment to protect its oceans and tuna resources, Solomon Islands will inform the conference of the Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4.
This summit calls for stronger action from the international community towards sustainable fisheries. This include international efforts to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, SPM, Dr Mataki and Deputy Chair of Caucus, Hon. Penross Maenu at the opening ceremony of UNOC3 in Nice, France. Photo | Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat
Joining other Pacific Islands countries, Solomon Islands will also be advocating for a UN Treaty on sea level rise and mobilize finance for ocean action.
The Solomon Islands delegation to UNOC3 among other officials consisted by the head of delegation, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Bradley Tovosia, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Hon. Trevor Manemahaga.
The delegation will engage in plenary sessions on Ocean Action including side events until Friday 13th of June 2025.
An adoption of the Political Declaration and report of the Conference is expected at the end of the sessions on Friday.
[end]This story was produced as part of the 2025 UNOC Fellowship organized by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network.