Document approved unanimously by heads of state commits to demands raised by Oceans 20 and calls for the group's continuation

 

The final declaration of the 2024 G20 Summit includes significant victories for the oceans, with commitments made in response to demands brought forward by civil society through Oceans 20. The text was unanimously approved by the heads of state of the 19 member countries, alongside the European Union and the African Union, and was published on Monday, November 18.

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In the declaration, the Summit acknowledges the need for preservation and commits to combating ocean degradation. The text also highlights the necessity of adequate financing, planning, and management “to ensure the protection of the marine environment and the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources and biodiversity.”

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Additionally, the declaration calls for the swift implementation of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), “emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation, capacity building, technical assistance, and financial support, particularly for developing countries.” Leaders also pledged active engagement in the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in 2025.

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Continuity of Oceans 20
The declaration further calls for the continuation of Oceans 20 as an engagement group for the ocean, institutionalized by the Brazilian presidency during this term. “We look forward to the continuation of the Oceans 20 initiative under future presidencies,” the document states, recognizing the work developed by the Group.

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The commitments made by the Summit on ocean-related issues are included in the first Communiqué of Oceans 20, which was released on November 16 during its final meeting. The text was developed throughout 2024 with the participation of more than 6,000 people, whose proposals were presented to G20 representatives during technical and ministerial meetings in its official tracks.

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Oceans 20 is coordinated by the UNESCO Chair for Ocean Sustainability in collaboration with the UN Global Compact, the World Economic Forum, FUNBIO, INPO, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, alongside several national and international partners.