- Somkiat Khokiattiwong & Wenxi Zhu
- Posted on
- Bangkok, Thailand
The grand inauguration of the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference and the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference, held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 22-25 April 2024, marked a pivotal moment for ocean communities in the region to catalyze ocean science solutions and meaningful partnerships needed for sustainable development. This momentous gathering brought together a diverse array of ocean stakeholders from government, academia/research communities, business/private sectors, Intergovernmental and Non-intergovernmental Organizations, foundations, and civil socity, setting the stage for a collective effort towards sustainable ocean management.
The Conference was honored to have His Excellency Pol. Gen. Pattarawat Wongsuwan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, delivered the opening remarks.
He expressed his deep gratitude for this the opportunity given to Thailand to host such a crucial event, and emphasized the importance of event in supporting the conservation and stainable management of the ocean in the region, towards achieving the outcomes and vision of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
He recognized the Conference represents a significant step forward in our collective efforts to address our oceans’ various challenges, and thus underscored the urgency for leveraging scientific knowledge and innovations for the benefit of present and generations to come.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the Conference as a vital platform for ocean stakeholders from all sectors to engage in dialogue and share experience, and further expressed his confidence that the Conference will foster cooperation, inspire actions and partnerships aimed at innovative solutions for ocean governance, conservation, and development in the Western Pacific.