22 August 2014
Samoa small island conference draft outcome document calls on implementing shared responsibilities under RFMOs for its benefit
The UN expects over 300 initiatives to be announced at the Third UN Conference on Small Island Developing States aimed at fostering partnerships with small island developing states, which will take place from 1 to 4 September 2014. The Conference’s Secretary-General, Wu Hongbo, said that with much of the political work already agreed on, participants can focus on how to take these decisions forward and on generating sustainable partnerships.
In 124 points, the outcome document, called the ‘SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action Pathway’, or ‘SAMOA Pathway’, includes actions for categories ranging from ‘sustained and sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth with decent work for all’ to ‘climate change’. In addition to the plenary sessions, the four-day Conference will have for the first time, so-called multi-stakeholder partnership dialogues as part of the official programme. ‘This reflects not only the importance which the host country gives to partnerships, but also the realization that sustainable development can’t be achieved by governments alone’, Mr. Wu said, underscoring the importance of civil society and private partnerships.
The Draft outcome document of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, under the heading ‘Oceans and Seas’ at paragraph 58 (m) it reads as follows: ‘With this in mind we strongly support action to urge cooperation from the international community in implementing shared responsibilities under Regional Fisheries Management Organisations and Arrangements, to enable SIDS to benefit from and sustainably manage straddling and highly migratory fish stocks covered by those RFMOs.’
Source: SAMOA Parthway | A/CONF.223/3 | Draft outcome document of the third International Conference on Small Island Developing States | 17 July 2014
Source: UN News Centre | UN expects upcoming Samoa small island conference to generate vital partnerships