We came here playing a role far more ambitious than a nation of our size can expect to play under normal circumstances.

But as we all know, these aren’t normal circumstances. Our oceans and seas are under unprecedented threat, says Prime Minister and co-President of the United Nations Ocean Conference.

While delivering his closing remarks at the week-long conference which saw the global focus and action on reversing the degradation of our Oceans, Mr Bainimarama said the conference was a major step in rolling back the tide of neglect and willful destruction that has placed our oceans and seas in such dire peril.

“There is no question that we have made great strides this week in drawing global attention to the urgent need for action on our oceans and seas,” he said.

“And this is reflected in the large number of formal commitments that have been made, which have now reached more than 1300 and rising. This is more than double the number at the start of the week. And is a clear indication of the outpouring of support for decisive action that this conference has generated. I want to warmly thank those governments, non-government organisations, UN agencies and the private sector for joining us with these undertakings to help improve the state of our oceans.”

The largest number of commitments has come from governments at 44 per cent, NGOs 19 per cent, UN entities nine per cent and the private sector six per cent.

The North Atlantic is the ocean basin with the most commitments so far, followed by the South Pacific.

Across the targets, marine ecosystems have the most commitments followed by pollution and scientific knowledge and research.

“Even after the conference closes, the register will remain open.

“So I urge the world to keep those commitments coming in.

“Whether you are a small NGO or a large country, every commitment matters.

“Because in the sum total is the key to substantially improving the state of our oceans and implementing SDG 14.”

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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