On World Oceans Day, we recognize the profound significance of the oceans in our global climate system and their essential role in sustaining life on Earth. Covering over 70% of our planet’s surface, oceans are pivotal in regulating the global climate and supporting biodiversity.

Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28 and President of IUCN, highlights the oceans' indelible impact in a special video message. COP28 marked a significant advancement in oceanic conservation, notably with the inaugural Oceans Ministerial—a Heads of State-level event dedicated to enhancing ocean-based solutions, which saw the introduction of the Ocean Breakthroughs.

These breakthroughs provide a clear roadmap for collective action, setting ambitious targets for 2030 aimed at achieving a healthy and productive ocean by 2050. They focus on enhancing marine conservation, promoting ocean renewable energy, optimizing shipping, developing sustainable aquatic food sources, and boosting coastal tourism. Achieving these targets can potentially reduce emissions by up to 35% by 2050.

As the world gears up for significant global milestones toward the end of 2024 like the CBD COP16, G20, and UNFCCC COP29, the Ocean Breakthroughs are poised to drive collective actions to protect and sustainably manage our oceans. Razan calls for increased alignment of government and non-state actor efforts with these targets, emphasizing that our collective future depends on a resilient and thriving ocean.

Watch Razan's full message here.

On this World Oceans Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to harnessing our planet's blue resources responsibly and ensuring a resilient future for all.