The United Arab Emirates hosted the 43rd meeting of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), marking the first time the UAE has welcomed this global forum since joining the panel.
The Abu Dhabi gathering highlights the UAE’s leadership in nature conservation and its ongoing support for international initiatives to protect oceans, strengthen global cooperation, and advance a sustainable future.
Over the three-day meeting, representatives from 15 member countries convened to advance commitments to sustainable ocean management and enhance international collaboration for the health and resilience of the world’s oceans.
The meeting was co-chaired by Special Envoy Georg Børsting of Norway and Ambassador Ilana Seid of Palau, and hosted by Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, UAE President’s Sherpa to the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy and Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Nature. The event forms part of the UAE’s broader strategy to reinforce international cooperation in ocean and environmental protection.
During the sessions, Al Mubarak provided updates on the UAE’s National Ocean Panel, launched earlier this year at the UN General Assembly and formally established as a whole-of-government initiative in November.
Welcoming members, Razan Al Mubarak said, “The UAE is a proud member of the Ocean Panel family and honoured to welcome representatives of the Ocean Panel to Abu Dhabi. Our country’s heritage and identity have long been shaped by the sea, and this deep connection continues to guide our commitment to ocean stewardship. In line with the shared ambitions of the Panel, we are aligning national efforts with the collective vision for 100 percent sustainable ocean management. We value the partnership of all member countries as we work together to secure a healthy ocean for future generations.”
For his part, Special Envoy Georg Børsting added, “We are grateful to the UAE for hosting this meeting and for its strong engagement within the Ocean Panel. Holding this gathering in Abu Dhabi, shortly after the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) World Conservation Congress, underscores the UAE’s growing leadership in global efforts to protect the ocean. The collaboration demonstrated during the meeting provides important momentum as the Panel works toward the shared goal of 100% sustainable ocean management.”
Throughout the discussions, delegates reflected on global developments following the IUCN World Conservation Congress and COP30, highlighting the ocean’s critical role in climate resilience, food security, and sustainable development. Participants shared strategies to strengthen scientific cooperation, enhance knowledge exchange, and support national implementation efforts.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Panel’s commitment to coordinated action, multilateral collaboration, and sustained leadership in ocean protection. Members praised the UAE’s active engagement and ongoing contributions to global initiatives aimed at safeguarding ocean health.
(Inputs from WAM)
