Environment
The Seventh Ocean Panel Leaders’ Meeting of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
September 24, 2025
On September 24, commencing at 8:00 a.m. local time (September 24 at 9:00 p.m. Japan time), for approximately 90 minutes, The Seventh Ocean Panel Leaders’ Meeting of “the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy” was held during the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in which Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi participated on behalf of Prime Minister ISHIBA Shigeru, Japan’s member of this Ocean Panel.
- At the outset, H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr STØRE, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Norway, and H.E. Mr. Surangel S. WHIPPS, Jr., President of the Republic of Palau, who co-chaired this meeting, delivered opening remarks and shared their vision for the future activities of the Ocean Panel.
- During the discussion, building on the outcomes of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in this June, the participants exchanged views on accelerating actions toward building a sustainable ocean economy and on ocean-based climate solutions in the lead-up to COP30 in this November. Minister IWAYA stated that, as the proponent of the “Osaka Blue Ocean Vision,” Japan places high importance on the early conclusion of negotiations for the treaty on plastic pollution and will work with other countries to find common ground through dialogue. Regarding ocean-based climate solutions, Minister IWAYA introduced Japan's efforts to promote blue carbon initiatives, which serve as carbon sinks, as part of the “Satoumi creation”, aiming to create ocean of abundance through human efforts, and reiterated Japan's commitment to exerting its utmost efforts toward COP30. Furthermore, Minister IWAYA expressed Japan’s determination to cooperate with other member countries to ensure the High-Level Panel plays a meaningful role in leading the promotion of a sustainable ocean economy.
- Following discussions among participants, the co-chairs announced They also announced the issuance of a leaders' document titled “2025 Ocean Panel Communiqué” and introduced the future work plan.
(Reference1) High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy
- Initiated by Norway and composed of leaders of the following maritime nations: Norway, Palau, Japan, Australia, Canada, Chile, Fiji, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, Namibia, Portugal, UAE, Seychelles, UK
- Aims to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by discussing measures for preserving a healthy marine environment and building a sustainable ocean economy.
- Since 2018, the panel has convened approximately once a year, since when then-Prime Minister Abe and subsequent prime ministers have served as members. In December 2020, it issued a Leaders' Communiqué titled “Transformations for a Sustainable Ocean Economy.”
(Reference2)
- Leaders' Communiqué (Original Text)
- 2026-2030 Work Plan (Original Text (PDF)
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