#United States #New York #UN Global Compact #Blue Economy #Ocean Centres

A New Era for Ocean Sustainability

In a historic initiative, the United Nations is set to unveil a groundbreaking network of Ocean Centres at the upcoming Ocean Conference in 2025. This innovative project aims to integrate safety and sustainability into the burgeoning blue economy across various nations within the Global South, encompassing Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Partnership for Progress

The collaboration between the UN Global Compact and Lloyd's Register Foundation highlights a collective commitment to address the pressing challenges faced by ocean economies. Each Ocean Centre will act as a local, multi-stakeholder platform, tackling unique safety and sustainability issues pertinent to their respective regions. This localized approach ensures that the centres can effectively respond to the distinctive needs and challenges of each country’s maritime sector.

Erik Giercksky, the UN Global Compact's Ocean Lead, emphasizes the importance of collaborative, local efforts in navigating the complexities brought about by climate change, workforce fluctuations, and technological advancements in ocean industries. These sectors are crucial for food security, energy production, and economic resilience, particularly in the Global South, where reliance on maritime resources is profound.

Addressing Unique Challenges

Ocean industries, while vital, remain perilous. The newly established Ocean Centres will serve as exclusive platforms dedicated to developing evidence-based solutions that mitigate safety risks and promote sustainable practices across various sectors, including green shipping, aquaculture, and ocean finance. By fostering discussions among engineers, safety experts, and local stakeholders, the centres will transform insights into actionable policies designed to enhance safety measures in ocean economies.

Dr. Ruth Boumphrey, Chief Executive of Lloyd's Register Foundation, underscores the need for local input and understanding in shaping maritime growth. Each country has its ambitions and corresponding safety challenges, which can only effectively be addressed by those on the ground.

A Network Driven by Community

The Ocean Centres are not traditional offices but are envisioned as dynamic, community-driven networks that prioritize inclusivity and local engagement. They will be instrumental in addressing a myriad of challenges, ranging from mitigating heat stress for maritime workers to identifying gaps in infrastructure safety governance. Each Centre aims to surface concrete solutions and elevate them through policy dialogues.

With nations like Indonesia where the ocean economy accounts for a significant portion of GDP and employment, the need for integrating safety into maritime practices has never been more urgent. The Ocean Centres represent a vital step towards a safer and more equitable future for ocean resource management.

Toward a Collaborative Future

The next 18 months will see the development of these Ocean Centres, culminating in a comprehensive Ocean Centres Manifesto, inspired by the collective insights and recommendations from all participating nations. This manifesto will act as a resource for governments, NGOs, and businesses aiming to deepen their commitment to safety within the broader framework of ocean sustainability efforts.

Stakeholders from various sectors—including government, academia, and civil society—are encouraged to engage with this initiative. Opportunities for collaboration span partnerships, technical support, and participation in working groups that align with specific regional needs. More information is available at www.oceancentres.com.

The official launch of the Ocean Centres will take place during a high-level event at the UN Ocean Conference on June 10, bringing together experts and leaders to foster dialogue on local and global ocean collaboration. As the world moves toward a sustainable ocean economy, initiatives like the Ocean Centres are pivotal in ensuring that safety and sustainability are at the forefront of this transition.

Conclusion

The initiative to establish Ocean Centres marks a bold and necessary step toward safeguarding ocean economies across the Global South. By emphasizing local solutions and collaboration, this network aims to build resilience while promoting sustainable practices that align with global safety standards. The hope is to weave a future in which ocean resources are managed responsibly, benefitting both people and the planet.