“The 9th “Our Ocean Conference” in Greece leads the push to further strengthen immediate and effective action” on climate change, noted the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis in his speech on the second day of the Conference held in Athens.

Besides, as he pointed out, nowadays “climate change is at the heart of our daily activity and the threats it poses are of existential importance to too many countries”.

“The global community recognizes that serious and multiple threats and pressures to our oceans are imminent“, he added.

Note that “in the past, the job description of a secretary of state would include foreign affairs, diplomacy, geopolitical issues, and how to deal with other countries, at a neighboring, regional or global level».

“The big difference now is that new global challenges have emerged and urgent issues require the immediate attention, even of foreign ministers.“, he said.

“Climate change is now a cross-cutting issue, which is an integral part of the job of a foreign minister. Its effects are obvious and have serious consequences not only for our planet and its inhabitants, but also for established systems of public governance and international relations.“, pointed out.

In this context, he added, “Greece, as a candidate country for a non-permanent seat in the Security Council for the period 2025-2026, has already set the climate crisis and security as its priorities and as areas of utmost interest».

“We expect that during our term in the Security Council, we will have the opportunity, together with all of you, to raise the issues of the climate crisis and in particular those related to the protection of oceans and waters».

These days, he noted, Athens hosts more than 130 missions of states, international organizations and NGOs.

“We achieved great things together during those days. Secretary Kerry, in his opening statement yesterday, referred to the intended Athens Consensus, and indeed, I believe we achieved that consensus […] At a higher level, the main feature is this: we must not overlook what is happening in our environment and especially in our oceans. We have also achieved certain goals and should be particularly proud of them».

Consequently, as he described, the Athens Consensus adopted three “flagship outcomes” of the Conference:

-More than 400 commitments were made, worth more than $10 billion.

-The European Union has confirmed its strong commitment to international maritime governance by announcing 40 commitments for action for 2024, which will be financed with €3.5 billion from various EU funds. They are the largest amount ever announced by the European Union since the recommendation of our conference.

-A new record has been set. 47% of the world’s marine protected areas came from Ocean Conferences, a result that makes us all proud.

“I leave this Conference having made new friends from around the world with whom we share our deepest concern for the oceans, but also the hope that, together, we can make a difference for the future“, concluded.