Blog by High Seas Alliance Senior Strategy Advisor and Europe Coordinator, Nathalie Rey.
UN High-Level Week and New York Climate Week are a fixture in many international calendars at the end of September, and can be a source of dread for just as many. New York is busy at the best of times, but this week takes it to another level, as delegates and leaders descend from every corner of the globe. This week is a test of stamina and patience (traffic jams and long queues), and the jet lag gives new meaning to the phrase “the city that never sleeps”.
Putting aside the uncomfortable irony given the focus is climate action, it is also a rare chance to have so many people in one place. In-person still beats online, every time. A quick coffee in person can achieve what a video call never will. And while the physical effort of the week can drain the battery, the range of commitments, solutions, energy and passion easily recharges it. The High Seas were no exception.
Almost a year to the day after the 60th ratification of the High Seas Treaty, and with several key milestones ahead, including the first Conference of Parties (COP) in January, High Seas Alliance deployed a small, nimble team of one (me!), supported by many of our members and partners on the ground during the week from 21st September.
Inside the UN, leaders delivered their statements. Outside, against a backdrop of protests, thousands of side events fill the city, making for a noisy, energetic and sometimes overwhelming space. Like a spinning top, the week was spent going from meeting to event to reception – catching up with old and meeting new people. Here are a few highlights.
MONDAY got off to an inspiring start with RISE UP for the Ocean team and Peace Boat US co-hosting a High-Level Dialogue on moving ocean commitments into action, with a key question from one of the panelists on what will we do to ensure the next generation inherits more than commitments?
TUESDAY was an early morning start for an event organized by the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, Resilience4Ports (led by the International Coalition forSustainable Infrastructure (ICSI)) and United Nations Foundation on how shipping can contribute to a healthy planet. It was an impressive line-up of experts and interesting discussions including on how major policy landmarks like the High Seas Treaty and IMO Net Zero Framework, send important signals to an industry that plans decades in advance.
WEDNESDAY was definitely a room and a reception with a view! High Seas Alliance was literally in the clouds as one of the lucky few to be invited for lunch by its Earthshot partners. And to top off the day I got to mingle on a NY rooftop at a reception organised by our fabulous member AIDA, where I like to think the Empire State building was lit up blue especially for the ocean!
THURSDAY– who you gonna call (probably only those of you who were young in the ‘80s will get that Ghostbusters reference)? Star and political power for the High Seas with long-term ocean advocate and actor Sigourney Weaver joining leaders at a high-level roundtable organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies on what is needed to ensure a successful first COP.
TGI FRIDAY– workshopping climate considerations into BBNJ at a workshop High Seas Alliance partnered with the Ocean and Climate Platform, Oceano Azul, Blue Marine Foundation and Peace Boat USA, that brought together experts from governments, civil society and other organisations.
So now back home, here are a few of my key reflections and takeaways from the week:
- Universal ratification of the High Seas Treaty is getting closer. We passed the 100 ratification mark with 101 ratifications reached by the end of last week, as seven more countries- Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Germany, Lebanon, Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwe- deposited their instruments of ratification.
- This is a pivotal moment- with less than 100 days to COP1 some key issues still need to be resolved on the institutional set up. We need to keep up the pressure and use the time wisely, and it was good to hear that a number of governments are working hard to ensure progress in the interim.
- “Work smarter not harder”– this phrase from a Pacific delegate stuck with me during the week. Smarter means working together. Collaboration is what got this Treaty over the line, and it is what will take us far. This means working together with governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, science, youth leaders and philanthropy- sharing the same conviction to keep ambition high.
- And last but not least never underestimate the power of comfortable shoes for a successful week of meetings.
The High Seas Treaty may be having its moment in the spotlight, but the sparkle and optimism can wear off quickly if it runs aground due to lack of political will. The world faces many competing crises, a number of which played out in the UN building last week. The same challenges we faced in the negotiating room (equity, funding, political will, capacity) follow us into this new implementation phase, and they will test us just as hard, if not harder. We need more countries to ratify to achieve equitable global ocean protection, and parties need to show up at COP1 committed to getting the Treaty set up ready to deliver.
In January- High Seas Alliance and many of its members will be back in New York for this important milestone conference, and one thing I know for sure: I will definitely pack my sneakers again.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the High Seas Alliance or its member organizations unless clearly stated.