Ha Noi, 12 - 13 May 2022 - Relevant agencies of Vietnam (hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) and Norway (hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co-organise the “International Conference on Sustainable Ocean Economy and Climate Change Adaptation”.

This hybrid (both online and in-person) conference brings together more than 400 representatives from over 70 countries, including leaders, experts, scientists; non-governmental organisations, social organisations, financial institutions, and research centres all over the world.

The objectives of the “Conference on Sustainable Ocean Economy and Climate Change Adaptation - Solutions for a Resilient Blue Economy” are to discuss key opportunities to promote and use marine resources sustainably as well as the main challenges of the COVID-19 crisis, climate change and pollution, especially ocean plastic waste pollution; to identify opportunities to promote actions to protect marine ecosystems targetting at marine economic recovery and economic development, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities and countries; and to exchange experiences, best practices and research results to promote knowledge sharing of successful sustainable ocean economy, climate change adaptation strategies and actions. The Conference is a forum mobilising international cooperation and promoting the sustainable development of Vietnam's ocean economy.

This is an important International Conference, contributing to affirming Vietnam's position in the international arena, showing itself as an active member, a reliable and responsible partner, contributing more to the joint efforts of the international community in ensuring peace, security and sustainable development, especially in the sustainable development of the ocean economy, the protection of the ocean environment, and the response to climate change.

The Conference focuses on analysing the close relationship between ocean economy and climate change adaptation. Within the framework of the Conference, there will also be side events, including the Launch of the ‘Blue Economy Scenarios for Vietnam’ Report. The Report was prepared to introduce the concept of blue economy, and assess the current situation of some key marine industries in Vietnam, thereby identifying the potential for and developing a scenario for future sustainable blue economic development. Relevant thematic topics such as COVID-19 Blue Recovery and Building Forward Better for a Climate-Resilient; Marine Spatial Planning, Climate-Resilient Coastal Cities and Infrastructure; and Climate Security, Gender, and Resilience of Vulnerable Communities will also be discussed at the Conference.

Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, UNDP said "the COVID19 recovery provides the opportunity for countries and communities to ‘re-boot’ their approach to the Blue Economy… UNDP and the UN family stand ready to help countries shape a sustainable blue economy using innovative, science-based solutions.  Working with local communities, and with broad alliances, we will ‘co-create’ new blue economy solutions -- recognising that our greatest hope to build a sustainable future for people and planet lies in human ingenuity and collective commitment to this cause."

"This conference is addressing some of the most important issues of our time. Norway and Vietnam’s objective is to push the climate and ocean agenda forward.  We live in a time of global turbulence.  Global cooperation is more important than ever. We need consequential and immediate action. And it is our responsibility to keep building the momentum," said H.E. Anniken Huitfeldt, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Another expected output of the Conference is a Co-Chair Statement which provides key contents and conclusions of the Conference, inputs for the United Nations and 2022 and later agendas, including the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development in 2021-2030.

Photos can be found at: https://flickr.com/photos/73471477@N07/albums/72177720298912583 
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For more information, please contact:

Ms Phan Huong Giang
Media and Communications Analyst, Climate Change & Environment
United Nations Development Programme
Email: phan.huong.giang@undp.org; Mob: 0948466688

Ms Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh
Information and Communication Adviser, Norwegian Embassy in Hanoi
Email: Thi.kim.thanh.nguyen@mfa.no; Mobile: 0904637298

Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy
Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment
Email: thuthuyemail@gmail.com; Mob: 0915666529