Cambodia's commitment to ocean sustainability and global cooperation at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference

At the third United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet delivered a speech reaffirming Cambodia's strong commitment to sustainable ocean development and the protection of marine biodiversity.

The PM announced Cambodia's intention to ratify the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2023 to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions

The Prime Minister announced Cambodia's intention to ratify the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2023 to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. Hun Manet emphasized the importance of transparency in sharing the benefits arising from the implementation of the agreement. He called on the international community to provide essential technical and financial support to developing countries to strengthen their capacities for marine conservation and sustainable resource management. This includes access to scientific knowledge, technology, marine research funding, monitoring, and sustainable fisheries management. Hun Manet stressed that no country should be left behind in efforts to protect the oceans, highlighting the essential role of the oceans in sustaining life and the need for bold, united and decisive action for the oceans, people and future generations.

Key messages

Prime Minister Hun Manet conveyed several key messages:

He called on the international community to provide essential technical and financial assistance to developing countries to strengthen their capacity for marine conservation and sustainable resource management, including access to scientific knowledge, technology, and funding for marine research and sustainable fisheries management.

He stressed that no country should be left behind in collective efforts to protect the ocean, stating:

“The ocean has no voice, it depends on us! What we do today will determine whether the ocean will continue to feed and protect us tomorrow, or whether it will become the vast silent wreck of our inaction.”

Hun Manet affirmed that the ocean is a shared treasure and the “blue heart of the planet,” essential for food, energy, water, livelihoods, climate regulation, oxygen production, and biodiversity.

He expressed Cambodia's commitment to strengthening national capacity for ocean protection, including by expanding marine protected areas, strengthening sustainable fisheries regulations, and combating marine pollution through Cambodia's Circular Economy Strategy 2023-2028, which emphasizes the pillars of “clean, green, and sustainable.”

He expressed deep concern about threats such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, plastic pollution, marine biodiversity loss, and overexploitation of resources, calling for immediate and decisive collaborative action.

Hun Manet reaffirmed Cambodia's commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 and its support for international agreements such as the agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). Finally, he called for bold and concerted efforts to protect the ocean for current and future generations, emphasizing Cambodia's willingness to engage in cooperation and protection efforts.