June 8 is World Oceans Day. The Blue Economy and Finance Forum was held in Monaco from June 7 to 8, focusing on issues such as marine protection and financing for sustainable development.
The forum is a supporting event for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference and is hosted by Monaco. The forum aims to promote the realization of "protecting and sustainably using the oceans and marine resources for sustainable development". Prince Albert II of Monaco delivered the opening speech and the concluding speech. French President Macron, Brazilian President Lula, British Prince William, European Council President Costa and other dignitaries attended the forum.
The forum discussed four major themes, namely, investing in marine protection, financing a renewable and sustainable blue economy, blue ports and transportation innovation, and ensuring sustainable marine governance. Many side events were also held during the forum, involving specific topics such as investing in coral reef protection and innovation in financial mechanisms for marine protection. Guests from all walks of life mainly talked about their determination and specific goals in mobilizing funds to protect and sustainably use the ocean during the discussion.
In his closing speech at the forum on the 8th, Macron stressed that the relevant scientific evidence on climate change and biodiversity issues is solid, so the international community has the responsibility to take action on related issues. He also called for responsible collective responses in maintaining the sustainable development of the ocean.
European Central Bank President Lagarde said in her speech earlier that the ocean plays an important role in addressing climate change and is also one of the important pillars supporting the global economy. She called for funding to support innovative marine protection measures to build a more resilient human habitat and a stronger global economy.
The third United Nations Ocean Conference will be held in Nice, France from June 9 to 13, and its supporting activities include the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and the "One Ocean Science Conference" held in early June.
