My Global Advocacy

In a series of meetings in Paris, I met with counterparts in government and non-government sector, to discuss the forthcoming Conference of the Parties on Climate Change, the 2019 Secretary-General Climate Summit, the Global Pact…

Canada is providing dynamic leadership this year as G7 President, with a strong focus on healthy oceans, healthy seas, and resilient communities among other issues. I was honoured to be part of a panel discussion during the joint ministerial meeting…

In Oslo I met with Crown Prince Haakon and the Crown Princess of Norway Mette-Marit to explore potential cooperation with UN Environment on key areas of interest including oceans. We are now in the process of developing some suggestions and I…

Addressing marine litter is one of the highest priorities for the Japanese Government. This is in line  with UN Environment’s work on oceans and seas. The Government appreciates UN Environment’s work on this issue and they will continue to be…

UN Environment has been engaging with both nations on the Korean peninsula and has offered its support on environmental matters. A UN Environment delegation visited Pyongyang in June and held discussions on environmental cooperation Following this…

Over the last few years, the state of our oceans has been a cause of growing concern to Norway. The recent establishment of a multi-donor trust fund to address marine litter and the Norwegian contribution to the new Initiative on Ocean Business…

The city of Cape Town has been much in the news lately, for its severe water shortage and fears that the city will soon run out of water. But officials in Cape Town have done an incredible job of halving daily water use in a few short months. I was…

I have just returned from India where we have concluded one of the most outstanding World Environment Day celebrations ever held. It was a pleasure to be with India’s Prime Minister Modi when he signed on to the Clean Seas Campaign. The Government…

My mission to Europe began with the opening of the European Union Green week in Utrecht. Like many cities growing rapidly, people are concerned about keeping cities healthy and making sure they are enjoyable places to stay, live and work in for…

Fiji is not only at the forefront of the fight against climate change, but it has also been one of the most vocal nations highlighting ocean and coral reef issues in the region and beyond. As Fiji stands to lose everything while having contributed…