The United Arab Emirates Join the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy

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During the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the “High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy” launched the “100% Alliance,” a new initiative urging all coastal and ocean states to commit to the sustainable management of all ocean areas under national jurisdiction. The United Arab Emirates joins the Ocean Panel as its 19th member and the first from the MENA region and was invited on the basis of its climate and biodiversity leadership.

The Ocean Panel is a unique global initiative, mobilizing political leadership and driving action towards a sustainable ocean economy. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, was named the UAE’s Sherpa and High-Level Representative to the Ocean Panel. She stated:

To truly succeed, we must align and integrate efforts across key global frameworks, such as the Global Biodiversity Framework, the SDGs, and the Paris Agreement’s. This synergy will unlock critical benefits for biodiversity, climate resilience and long-term economic prosperity.

As a new member of the Ocean Panel, the UAE is tasked with drafting and implementing a Sustainable Ocean Plan that may encompass marine spatial planning, integrated coastal management, the establishment of marine protected areas, and targeted investments in emerging ocean sectors to promote both the protection of biodiversity and the sustainable use of ocean resources for future generations.

As the UAE’s Sherpa and High-Level Representative to the Ocean Panel, Ms. Al Mubarak will work alongside distinguished global leaders to ensure the success of this ambitious initiative:

“A healthy ocean is key to sustaining life on our blue planet. It is the world's largest ecosystem, regulates the climate, and supplies valuable resources. Sustainable management involves a host of measures to protect and support biodiversity but also to promote sustainable use of the ocean and create value for current and future generations.”

Follow Razan’s activity during Climate Week NYC on LinkedIn.