Blue economy for peace and development on earth in the third millennium

The world is currently facing a challenging time with the multiple impacts of Climate Change, COVID-19, and conflicts such as the Ukraine-Russia war. We are struggling to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the slogan of "Leave No One Behind (LNOB)" outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

- Markandey Rai

On November 15, 2022, the global population reached 8 billion, marking a significant milestone in human development. However, per capita consumption continues to rise, leading to job losses during lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation remains high worldwide. In this context, the Blue Economy offers hope for achieving the SDGs and promoting peace and development.

Two-thirds of our planet is covered by the sea, yet we have not fully explored its potential. Instead, we have exploited it and polluted it with tons of plastic and other waste, causing harm to marine ecosystems. The second Ocean Conference organized by the United Nations (UN) took place in Lisbon from June 27 to July 1, 2022. Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the ocean's significance during this conference, stating that it can be our greatest ally in addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He called for a commitment to a sustainable blue economy that creates jobs while protecting the planet.