Okonjo-Iweala, UN, Global Leaders Push for Urgent Marine Conservation at 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, alongside UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has called on the international community to end ocean pollution and commit to the sustainable use of marine resources, warning of the grave consequences of current practices.

The remarks were made at the ongoing 2025 UN Ocean Conference in France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, and themed: “Accelerating Action and Mobilising All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.” The high-level forum, which runs from June 9 to 13, brings together representatives from over 120 countries, along with civil society and scientific experts.

Key Highlights:

• Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala spotlighted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which targets the elimination of harmful subsidies contributing to overfishing. She revealed the deal is just 10 ratifications away from entering into force.
• The WTO, she added, has also launched a dedicated fund to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in managing their fisheries sustainably.
• UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning, noting that oceans are absorbing 90% of excess heat caused by greenhouse gas emissions. He described dire consequences including:
  • Dying coral reefs
  • Collapsing fish stocks
  • Rising sea levels threatening islands and coastlines
• UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasized the need for humanity to embrace a circular economy, highlighting the 2030 goal to conserve at least 30% of global land, freshwater, and marine areas.

She hailed the new UN Convention on the Law of the Sea Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) as a major accelerator for this target.