Island nations promote cooperation to protect the oceans.

On June 3rd, the first Island Nations Ocean Summit opened in Tokyo, Japan, with the participation of approximately 300 delegates, including heads of state, high-ranking officials, and experts from 35 island nations around the world.

Delegates attending this year's conference. Photo: Office of the Prime Minister of Japan.

The first Ocean Summit of Island Nations took place in Tokyo, Japan, on June 3rd and 4th, with the participation of Australia, the United Kingdom, Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and others.

The event focused on discussing solutions for marine environmental conservation, climate change adaptation, and promoting sustainable marine economic development, in the context of many island nations facing increasingly serious challenges from rising sea levels and extreme natural disasters.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs , this is an unprecedentedly large-scale conference dedicated to island nations, bringing together representatives from countries in the Pacific, Indian, and Caribbean regions. The event is hosted by the Nippon Foundation, Japan's largest charity.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae emphasized the importance of international cooperation in protecting the oceans and responding to the increasingly severe impacts of climate change.

According to Ms. Takaichi Sanae, Japan wishes to support countries and territories heavily affected by extreme weather events, stronger storms, and rising sea levels. The Japanese leader affirmed that building sustainable oceans based on international law requires close cooperation among nations with shared goals and interests.

Co-chairing the conference with the Japanese side, Palau President Surangel Whipps stated that island nations now need not only political commitments but also substantial financial resources and technological solutions tailored to local conditions.

Mr. Surangel Whipps called on the international community to develop a concrete action plan to protect the oceans and bring hope to future generations. According to the Palau leader, countries with small land areas but vast exclusive economic zones are at the forefront of the fight against climate change.

At the conference, delegates focused on discussing a range of common challenges facing island nations, from climate-related natural disasters and biodiversity loss to marine pollution.

One of the issues receiving particular attention is the problem of plastic waste in the ocean. Many countries believe that the increasing amount of plastic waste is threatening marine ecosystems, fisheries resources, and the tourism industry – a sector that plays a vital role in the economies of many island nations.

Delegates emphasized the need to quickly develop and finalize a binding international treaty to control plastic pollution globally. This is considered one of the important tools to help reduce the amount of waste dumped into the oceans in the coming decades.

In addition, many opinions also addressed the sustainable exploitation of marine resources. According to experts, many island nations still lack complete data on resources in the seas under their jurisdiction. Strengthening marine scientific research and improving management capacity are considered crucial factors for developing marine economic sectors in a sustainable direction.

Observers believe this conference reflects Japan's growing efforts to expand cooperation with island nations, particularly in the Pacific region. Beyond being an important development partner, Tokyo also aspires to play a more active role in international initiatives related to climate change, marine environmental protection, and ocean governance.

For many island nations, climate change is no longer a future challenge but has become an existential problem. Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, declining fish stocks, and extreme weather events are directly impacting the livelihoods, food security, and survival of many coastal communities.

The conference is expected to adopt a joint document on April 4-6. This document will be used as a basis for discussions at future international forums, including the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) scheduled to be held in Türkiye in November this year.

Delegates expect that the recommendations and commitments made in Tokyo will contribute to stronger international action to protect the oceans and support island nations in enhancing their resilience to the growing challenges of climate change.

(synthetic)

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/cac-quoc-dao-thuc-day-hop-tac-bao-ve-dai-duong-1157195.html