Tangier – The Moroccan city of Tangier witnessed a historic event on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, with the convening of the first African consultation in preparation for the Third United Nations Conference on Oceans (UNOC-3). This important event came as part of the African Ocean Week activities, with support from the United Nations and leading Moroccan institutions.
The consultation was chaired by Mr. Mohamed Sadiki, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries, Rural Development, Water and Forests, in the presence of prominent local and international figures, including representatives from the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, the African Union, the Royal Academy of Morocco, and the United Nations.
Representatives from more than 30 African countries participated in the event, including 16 ministers. Discussions revolved around four main axes: ocean governance, the importance of scientific data, cooperation and financing mechanisms, and capacity building with a focus on involving youth and coastal communities.
This initiative aims to unify African efforts to protect oceans and promote sustainable development on the continent. It also seeks to align the priorities of African countries with the international agenda and create a distinctive African dynamic in the field of maritime space management.
This consultation embodies the royal vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in transforming the Atlantic coast of the kingdom into a space for human communication, economic integration, and continental and international influence.
The meeting resulted in a set of important recommendations that will be presented during the Third United Nations Conference on Oceans, positioning Africa in a leading role to contribute to shaping the future of oceans on a global scale.
With this initiative, the Kingdom of Morocco reaffirms its commitment to enhancing African cooperation in the field of ocean protection and highlighting the importance of South-South cooperation in facing global environmental challenges.