The sixth “Our Ocean” conference was held in Oslo from 23-24 October 2019. The theme for the conference was learning, sharing and acting.
The conference was attended by leaders from 100 countries and 100 youth delegates from over 60 countries. Governments, business, organizations, universities, NGOs and research institutions were represented.
A number of commitments were made in the areas of climate change, sustainable fisheries, marine pollution, maritime protected areas, sustainable blue economy and maritime security. Issues raised at the conference covered the sustainable use of oceans, preserving livelihoods, reducing emissions, research and innovation, sustainable technologies, transparency in ocean data sharing among others. Two Meetings were also held on the sidelines with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway and the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade of Norway.
Sri Lanka delegation included President Counsel and Senior Legal Advisor to the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Bimba Tillekeratne, Director General of Ocean Affairs, Environment and Climate Change Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Hasanthi Dissanayake, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Norway Arusha Cooray, and Second Secretary of the Embassy Samanmali Atalugama.