IMO has continued its work to support Pacific Island countries with a virtual workshop (23-24 March) on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
Maritime activity is considered an essential component of any programme for future sustainable economic growth, and most of the elements of the 2030 Agenda will only be realized with a sustainable transport sector supporting world trade and facilitating the global economy. The United Nations development system collectively supports countries working to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals through the UNSDCF, working with national authorities to identify plans and priorities for development at the national level.
The workshop focused on national, regional, and global mechanisms to put the maritime sector into mainstream plans and initiatives within a country's national development plans. Topics covered include sustainable development in the context of ocean governance and management in the Pacific; and marine environment protection in the pacific. Participants were also introduced to a case study focusing on how the UNSDCF has been developed in Thailand.
Under its strategic plan, IMO continues to work with national maritime authorities to ensure that the maritime sector is given due consideration when national strategies and initiatives are formulated within the umbrella of the UNSCDF.
The workshop adopted a resolution which encourages the Member States to work in collaboration with United Nations (UN) resident coordinators and the UN Country Teams (UNCTs), National Authorities, IMO, UN ESCAP, SPC, SPREP and other regional institutions to ensure that the maritime sector is reflected in their respective UN Cooperation Framework (UNSDCFs).
The workshop was organized by IMO, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) in collaboration with the Regional UN Resident Coordinators and with practical assistance from The United Nations Development Coordination Office (UN DCO).