Ocean plays a vital role in achieving climate targets

‘Ocean-based solutions can provide up to 35 % of the cuts in emissions needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2050. In the period leading up to the UN Ocean Conference in June 2025, France and the Ocean Panel will work together to encourage more countries to commit to integrated, sustainable ocean management. This is in line with the Ocean Panel’s vision that all coastal and ocean states will sustainably manage the ocean areas under their national jurisdiction by 2030,’ said Mr Støre.

Mr Støre is co-chair of the Ocean Panel together with President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr.

Communiqué

In connection with the meeting in New York, the members of the Ocean Panel issued a communiqué emphasising the need to accelerate action for clean and sustainable oceans, and underlining the importance of adequate financing, knowledge-sharing and international partnerships in the years to come. Discussions during the meeting focused on the Ocean Panel’s efforts leading up to 2030, including what will be needed to gain the greatest possible acceptance for the ocean panel’s recommendations.

• See here to read the communiqué

New members joining Ocean Panel

‘It is more important than ever to ensure clean and productive oceans. A sustainable ocean economy will enhance prosperity for all and is essential if we are to reach our climate targets. The members of the Ocean Panel have had constructive discussions about the importance of working together to mobilise action and ensure a successful outcome of the UN Ocean Conference next year,’ said Mr Støre.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Støre welcomed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the Ocean Panel’s newest member.

‘I am very pleased to welcome Mohamed Bin Zayed and the United Arab Emirates as members of the Ocean Panel. As ocean states, we must all work together to find effective solutions for sustainable ocean management,’ said Mr Støre.

Facts about the Ocean Panel

• The Ocean Panel currently has 19 member countries that together have 45 % of the total area of the exclusive economic zones in the world.
• Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre co-chairs the Ocean Panel together with President of Palau Surangel S. Whipps Jr.
• Member countries are Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Palau, Portugal, Seychelles, the UAE, the UK and the US.