Statement by Mr. OTA Yuya, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations, at the Meeting to consider the UNOC3 Political Declaration: Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action (EOV)

Mr. President,
 
Japan welcomes the adoption of the Political Declaration of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference today, and Japan voted Yes on this important declaration. We would also like to extend our deep appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the co-facilitators, Cabo Verde and Australia, as well as the able leadership of the PGA (President of the General Assembly), and the co-host of the Conference, France and Costa Rica.
 
The Political Declaration, titled “Our ocean, our future: United for urgent action”, adopted after overcoming many differences of opinion, represents our strong and unwavering commitment to conserving and sustainably using our oceans, seas, and marine resources.
 
With that said, I would like to clarify what we intend to “recall” in paragraph 12 is the fact that four Declarations mentioned are endorsed by Small Island Developing States.
 
Japan has repeatedly expressed its position that it is permissible to preserve the existing baselines and maritime zones established in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, notwithstanding the regression of coastlines caused by climate change related sea-level rise, therefore, Japan supported “the 2021 Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on Preserving Maritime Zones in the face of Climate-Change-Related Sea-Level Rise”.
 
Japan also recognizes the importance and urgency of international cooperation on the continuity of statehood in the case of states affected by sea-level rise. We take note of “the 2023 Pacific Islands Forum Declaration on the Continuity of Statehood and the Protection of Persons in the Face of Climate Change-related Sea Level Rise”, as well as “the 2021 Alliance of Small Island States Leaders’ Declaration”, and “2024 AOSIS Leaders' Declaration on Sea Level Rise and Statehood”.
 
Mr. President,
 
Today’s adoption is not an end, but just the beginning of our renewed commitment to achieving SDG14. Japan will continue to strengthen our best efforts toward the achievement of the SDGs.
 
I thank you.