UN to brainstorm on marine pollution at Ocean Conference

Accra, May 24, GNA - Member countries of the United Nations would meet in the United States of America, New York, from June 5-9, this year for the Ocean Conference, to brainstorm on finding solutions to the deterioration of the oceans and seas across the globe.

Head of governments, ministers, civil society organisations, would attend the conference to discuss the declining fish stock affected by various pollutants such as plastics.

It would be held on the theme: 'Our Oceans, Our Future: Pertaining for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14'.

It would commence with the World Environment Day and Integrate World Oceans Day celebration.

The SDG 14 focuses on the ocean, seas and marine resources.

It states: 'Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development'.

At a press briefing streamed live from New York on Wednesday, Mr Peter Thompson, the President of the UN General Assembly, said the conference was necessary because they would be looking at finding solutions to the issues affecting marine pollution and declining marine life in the oceans and seas.

He said there would be eight plenary meetings and seven partnership dialogues that would deliberate on various topics and come out with ideas to deal with the menace.

Mr Thompson said the issue of beach littering, which had become a global threat to the oceans would be discussed and prescribe strategies to fight marine pollution.

He noted that the world was putting itself under threat saying, 'We are putting ourselves under incredible pressure by not taking care of our oceans'.

Mr Thompson called for drastic measures to be adopted to help secure the world's oceans.

The meeting is expected to adopt an action-plan to deal with the matter, saying, there would be voluntary commitments from governments, organisations and individuals to facilitate the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goal 14.

GNA

By Godwill Arthur-Mensah/ Julius K. Satsi, GNA