Oceans Conference kicks off in Matosinhos

UN preparatory event at the Cruise Terminal

The Prime Minister, António Costa, is one of the guest speakers at the preparatory event for the Ocean Conference that the United Nations (UN) will hold in Portugal, from June 27 to July 1.

The event “Finding Action by the Ocean: Local and Regional Governments” will take place next Saturday, June 25th, at the Leixões Cruise Terminal, and will discuss opportunities and initiatives that can support the sustainable adaptation of cities and coastal regions, including financing innovation and scaling up ocean protection.

At this event, local and regional governments will have the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, and to present their projects and commitments regarding the protection of the oceans.

Present in Matosinhos will be representatives from around the world, who lead research, governance and investment in local and regional policies in this area, including the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, Mami Mizutori.

The Head of Government, António Costa, will be at the opening session of the event, at 10 am, as well as the Mayor of Matosinhos, Luísa Salgueiro.

The municipality of Matosinhos assumed the commitment to build and implement a coastal resilience strategy, which safeguards the maritime heritage, which protects the populations and the territory. Just recently, Matosinhos became the first city in Portugal to be distinguished by the UN as a “Resilient Hub”, within the scope of the “Building Resilient Cities 2030” campaign.

The Oceans Conference, organized with the support of the Governments of Portugal and Kenya, will constitute a call to action for the oceans, urging world leaders and all decision-makers to increase ambition, mobilize partnerships and increase investment in scientific and innovative approaches. , as well as employing nature-based solutions to reverse the decline in ocean health.

The closing session will be in charge of the Secretary of State for the Sea, José Maria Costa. For more information about the event in Matosinhos, go to https://sdgs.un.org/events/LRGspecialevent-2022UNOC