Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, the Commonwealth Ocean Ministers Meeting will establish a shared voice for Commonwealth countries on ocean issues. The inaugural meeting will take place in Cyprus from 18 to 19 April 2024.
The meeting will encourage Commonwealth countries to share their experiences, progress, challenges and ambitions in addressing ocean-related agendas and implementing international commitments.
Ministers will have the opportunity to exchange views, take stock and respond to international commitments, including those under SDG14, UNFCCC COPs, CBD Global Biodiversity Framework, the High-Seas Treaty for the protection of Biodiversity in areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and negotiations toward a legally-binding treaty on plastic pollution.
Our Resilient Common Ocean: from Cyprus to Samoa
This inaugural COMM will seek to establish the principles, priorities and actions for a Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, as outlined in the Communiqué of the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Under the theme 'Our Resilient Common Ocean: from Cyprus to Samoa', a roadmap and timeframe will be established to pave the way for the adoption of the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration during the forthcoming CHOGM in Samoa, October 2024.
Honourable Maria Panagiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, and Honourable Marina Hadjimanolis, Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, will Chair the meeting on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus.
The meeting has been timed to align with the 9th Our Ocean Conference hosted by Athens from 15-17 April 2024, in order to facilitate Ministerial attendance at both meetings.
Senior Officials Meeting
The Senior Officials Meeting will be held on 18 April 2024 in Cyprus and will be chaired by the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Ministerial
The ministerial segment of the meeting will be held on 19 April 2024, chaired by the Republic of Cyprus.
Download the provisional programme
For further information, please contact [email protected].
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