The Maldives has delivered a statement on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) at Ocean Action Panel 4 of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), highlighting the impact of marine pollution on small island nations.

The statement was presented by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim.

In his address, Minister Thoriq underscored the threats faced by small island nations due to marine pollution and the effects of land-based activities on ocean ecosystems. Small Island Developing States (SIDS), he emphasised, bear the brunt of marine environmental degradation despite contributing little to the problem. The Minister called for stronger international support to fulfil global commitments, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which aims to conserve and sustainably manage oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Minister Thoriq also urged all parties to enhance the implementation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) process on plastic pollution, particularly INC 5.2, which is part of ongoing negotiations towards a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution.

The Minister further emphasised the importance of respecting oceans and coastlines, which he described as the lifeblood of the planet. He said collective action is essential to protect marine resources for both current and future generations.

Beyond representing AOSIS, Minister Thoriq has been actively participating in UNOC 3 with several national contributions. He recently launched the Maldives’ National Implementation Roadmap for Ocean Accounts 2025–2030, a strategic document to integrate ocean data into national planning. He also advocated for inclusive ocean financing, support for Ocean Accounts, and urgent action to ratify and implement the BBNJ Agreement, the international treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

The Maldives’ leadership at the conference amplifies the concerns and priorities of small island states, whose economies and livelihoods are directly tied to the health of the ocean.