UN leader highlights significance of sustainable growth of seas
UN leader highlights significance of sustainable growth of seas, oceans
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stressed the significance of commitment to sustainable development of seas and oceans at the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Waste clearing in Durban port, South Africa on April 28, 2019. Illustrative image (Source: AFP/VNA)
New York (VNA) - UN Secretary-Genཧeral AntonioGuterres has stressed the significance of commitment to sustainable developmentof seas and oceans at the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In his opening remarks to the meeting by the state partiesto UNCLOS on June 17, Guterres cited a number of challenges that the world'soceans are facing, including the loss of half of the living coral in the past150 years, the 10-fold increase of plastic pollution in the sea in the lastfour decades and the over-exploitation of one-third of the world's fish stocks. He also pointed to the problems of ocean acidification andsea level rise. The consequences of these pressures are already being feltby low-lying coastal states, small island developing states and coastalcommunities, he said, adding that declining ocean health ultimately affects all.
In battling these pressures, Guterres said the sustainabledevelopment goals of the 2030 Agenda are the guide and UNCLOS is the legalframework. In this regard, he said that the 2030 Agenda commits theinternational community to the implementation of the legal regime under UNCLOS,as it specifically calls for enhancement of the co🐓nservation and sustainableuse of oceans and their resources by implementing international law asreflected in the convention.
The UN Secretary-General said through implementing theprovisions of UNCLOS, many challenges facing the oceans can be addressed, thuscalling on the countries that have not yet ratified or acceded to theconvention to do so.-VNA
A Vietnamese representative has again stressed the important role of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the Constitution of the seas and oceans.
Vietnam on October 4 asked other countries to make positive and practical contributions to the maintenance of peace and stability, respecting and fully implementing relevant international obligations, and upholding the law on the seas and oceans.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
The new halal cooperation arrangement will streamline halal certification and product assurance processes, making it easier for New Zealand exporters to access the Indonesian market.
Waste clearing in Durban port, South Africa on April 28, 2019. Illustrative image (Source: AFP/VNA) 
