Reflections on the Bridgetown Covenant and UNCTAD 15 outcomes: The role of knowledge-based institutions in achieving common aims through capacity development, 6th April 2022; Palais Des Nations, Geneva and Online
Organised as an event of the IOI’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations
Under the UNCTAD15 theme “From inequality and vulnerability to prosperity for all” and guided by Agenda 2030 and the pursuit of the SDGs, Member States of UNCTAD endorsed the Bridgetown Covenant which highlights that preservation of the planet needs to take place both on land and sea, and calls for a greater understanding and clearer definition of the oceans economy in line with the SDGs. Other sections mandate UNCTAD to work closely with stakeholders to “Formulate and promote policies fostering productive capacities and structural transformation in developing countries”.
Capacity development, training, and education in Ocean Governance play a central role in ensuring safe and healthy oceans for the benefit of humankind. Additionally, obligations towards achieving the SDGs, notably SDG14 and other interdependent SDGs, place a burden of responsibility on decision-makers and practitioners, stakeholders and citizens, which may benefit from targeted capacity development and knowledge transfer at all levels.
The programmes and achievements of the IOI’s pentadecadal Ocean commitment invite reflection on their synergies with the Bridgetown Covenant and UNCTAD 15 outcomes and may serve to highlight the role of civil society stakeholders in achieving common aims towards Agenda 2030 and beyond.
Welcome remarks were delivered by Awni Behnam, Honorary President, IOI, were followed by a video keynote message from Dona Bertarelli, Special Adviser for the Blue Economy, UNCTAD. Distinguished panellists included: HE Chad Blackman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Barbados to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva and Chair of the Group of 77 for 2022; HE Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador; Peter Leder, Member, IOI Governing Board; Miho Shirotori, Acting Director, Division of International Trade and Commodities, UNCTAD. The panel was moderated by Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, IOI.
Welcome remarks:
Mr Awni Behnam, Honorary President, IOI
Panel Moderator:
Ms Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, IOI
Keynote:
Ms Dona Bertarelli, Special Adviser for the Blue Economy, UNCTAD (video message)
Panellists:
H.E. Chad Blackman, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of Barbados to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva and Chair of the Group of 77 for 2022 (Geneva Chapter)
Mr Peter Leder, Member, IOI Governing Board
Mr Luis Vayas Valdivieso, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ecuador
Ms Miho Shirotori, Acting Director, Division of International Trade & Commodities, UNCTAD