Game-changing international ocean treaty comes into force
By Conor Lennon Almost two decades in the making, an international agreement to protect and sustainably use marine life in international waters and the international seabed is due to come into force on Saturday, marking a major step forward in efforts to ensure the health of ocean ecosystems for decades to come. Officially known […]
‘The world needs your leadership’, Guterres tells Pacific Islands Forum
UN Photo/Kiara Worth | UN Secretary-General António Guterres delivers remarks at the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum opening ceremony in Tonga. The island nations of the Pacific are “showing the way” to protect the planet from the ravages of climate change and now the rest of the world needs to step up with more support, the UN […]
Explainer: What’s COP28 and why is it important?
Global temperatures continue to reach record levels and, as the year draws to a close, the diplomatic heat is rising as all eyes turn to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where world leaders are meeting from 30 November to 12 December, to chart an ambitious way forward in the global fight against climate change. Here’s what you need […]
This week the 78th Session of the General Assembly in New York began
Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, attends the opening the High- level General Debate of the 78th Session of the UN General Assembly. The Minister was joined by Assistant Minister McAllister, DFAT Secretary Jan Adams, Ambassador James Larsen, Mr Rob Mitchell MP Member for McEwen, Mr Andrew Wallace MP Member for Fisher […]
UN agencies head up new $115 million push for cleaner, healthier oceans
Marine debris, including plastics, paper, wood, metal and other manufactured material is found on beaches worldwide and at all depths of the ocean. The UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and four partner agencies have been tasked with leading a new push to help countries curb the land-based pollution of coastal areas and shorelines. FAO will co-lead […]
Beyond borders: Why new ‘high seas’ treaty is critical for the world
19 June 2023 Law and Crime Prevention The UN’s 193 Member States adopted a landmark legally binding marine biodiversity agreement on Monday following nearly two decades of fierce negotiations over forging a common wave of conservation and sustainability in the high seas beyond national boundaries – covering two thirds of the planet’s oceans. Here are […]