Statement by the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) on World Oceans Day June 8, 2026

This 8 June, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) joins the international community in commemorating World Oceans Day. On this occasion, on behalf of the Organisation, the Secretary-General, H.E. Mr Moussa Saleh Batraki, reaffirms the OACPS’ unwavering commitment to the protection, conservation and sustainable use of our oceans and marine resources.

For the OACPS, whose membership comprises 79 States across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, including 39 Small Island Developing States and 64 coastal nations, the ocean is at the heart of our economies, our food security, our cultures and our way of life. The sustainable management of marine resources is therefore fundamental to achieving resilient, inclusive and sustainable development for our peoples.

The Secretary-General recalls that the Revised Georgetown Agreement and the strategic priorities of the Organisation recognise the importance of sustainable development and the responsible stewardship of natural resources. This commitment was further reaffirmed by the 11th Summit of Heads of State and Government through the Malabo Declaration, which underscored the need for strengthened cooperation on climate action, biodiversity conservation, sustainable ocean governance and the mobilisation of climate finance.

The Secretary-General welcomes this year’s theme, “Awakening New Depths,” which serves as a timely reminder of the need to deepen our understanding of the oceans and to strengthen collective action in addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity loss and the unsustainable exploitation of marine resources.

The OACPS remains firmly committed to advancing a sustainable and equitable blue economy and to promoting the interests of its Member States in global discussions on ocean governance. In this regard, the Organisation continues to support the implementation of international commitments, including the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), as well as initiatives aimed at strengthening the resilience of coastal and island communities.

The Secretary-General joins the United Nations and the international community in calling upon governments, development partners, the private sector and civil society to invest in the protection and sustainable management of our oceans, ensuring that they continue to serve as a source of prosperity, resilience and opportunity for present and future generations.

MOUSSA S. BATRAKI

Secretary-General

Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)

Brussels, 8 June 2026