About
Save our Ocean, Protect our Future
The Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of Kenya and Portugal, comes at a critical time as the world is seeking to address many of the deep-rooted problems of our societies laid bare by the COVID-19 pandemic and which will require major structural transformations and common shared solutions that are anchored in the SDGs. To mobilize action, the Conference will seek to propel much needed science-based innovative solutions aimed at starting a new chapter of global ocean action. Relevant facts and figures available here.
The Science is Clear
The ocean is seriously degraded because of human activity. If present trends continue, the ocean’s health and ability to sustain life will only get worse.
Decade of Action
This is time for action. To address some of the most defining issues of our time such as climate change, food insecurity, diseases and pandemics, diminishing biodiversity and economic inequality, we must act now to protect the state of the ocean’s ecology, economy and security. This is the decade to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
Climate Emergency
The ocean is the greatest ally in our efforts to address the climate emergency. It generates 50% of the oxygen we need and absorbs 25% of all carbon dioxide emissions. It is not just ‘the lungs of the planet’ but also its largest carbon sink - a vital buffer against the impacts of climate change. Climate action depends on a healthy ocean, and a healthy ocean requires urgent climate action.
Decade of Ocean Science
We need to know more about the ocean. Our understanding of the ocean and its contribution to sustainability is still limited and far more research and sustained observation is needed.
Diminishing Biodiversity
More than half of the world’s marine species are threatened by extinction by 2100. Today, an estimated 60% of the world’s major marine ecosystems, that underpin livelihoods, have been degraded or are being used unsustainably.
Official Programme
THEME
Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14:
Stocktaking, Partnerships and Solutions
- Adoption of the rules of procedure and the agenda;
- Election of the two Presidents of the Conference and officers;
- Establishment of subsidiary organs, as appropriate, and the appointment of the members of the Credentials Committee;
- Arrangements for the preparation of the report of the Conference and other matters;
- Statements by the Presidents of the Conference, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the President of the General Assembly, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the Secretary-General of the Conference.
Addressing Marine Pollution.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Promoting and strengthening sustainable ocean-based economies, in particular for Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Managing, protecting, conserving and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Minimizing and addressing ocean acidification, deoxygenation and ocean warming.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Making fisheries sustainable and providing access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Increasing scientific knowledge and developing research capacity and transfer of marine technology.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Meeting with statements established on a first-come first-served basis. Heads of State or Government speak first, followed by other heads of delegation.
Leveraging interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goal 14 and other Goals towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda.
- Reporting on the interactive dialogues;
- Adoption of the brief, concise, action-oriented and intergovernmentally agreed declaration;
- Adoption of the report of the Conference.
The Youth and Innovation Forum will be a platform for advancing ocean action and implementing youth-led solutions based on SDG 14 targets. It will seek to help young entrepreneurs and innovators scale up their initiatives, projects and ideas through professional training and matchmaking with mentors, investors, the private sector and government officials.
The Youth and Innovation Forum will be a platform for advancing ocean action and implementing youth-led solutions based on SDG 14 targets. It will seek to help young entrepreneurs and innovators scale up their initiatives, projects and ideas through professional training and matchmaking with mentors, investors, the private sector and government officials.
This Special Event will create an opportunity for local and regional governments and their networks, national governments and other stakeholders to exchange good practices of SDG 14 implementation at the local level. It will also be a space for local and regional governments and other stakeholders to announce new voluntary commitments in support of Ocean Action. The event will also seek to facilitate a discussion on opportunities and initiatives that can support sustainable adaptation for coastal cities and regions, including financing innovation and scaling up ocean protection.
The Youth and Innovation Forum will be a platform for advancing ocean action and implementing youth-led solutions based on SDG 14 targets. It will seek to help young entrepreneurs and innovators scale up their initiatives, projects and ideas through professional training and matchmaking with mentors, investors, the private sector and government officials.
The High-Level Symposium on Water is one of the preparatory meetings for the UN Water Conference 2023. Trying to bridge and explore the interlinkages between Sustainable Development Goals 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life below Water), this Symposium represents a unique opportunity to bring together political leaders and high-level decision makers dealing both with “fresh” and “salt” water, reflecting on how to better connect these two communities to guarantee an integrated vision of the water cycle. By doing so, this event provides an opportunity to strengthen the role of water and ocean in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement and offers a platform for presenting successful best practices and partnerships.
The Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum (SBEIF) will launch a process for designing sustainable blue economies sustainable framework global standard, to be used in financial instruments, investment decisions and business. In addition, the SBEIF will be an opportunity to establish a common language for a sustainable ocean economy and to explore how to build synergies between integrated Ocean Management Plans, trade finance, marketing and distribution value chains and the private sector.
VisitPortugal Side Events
Venues
Lisboa
Altice Arena and Tejo Hall at Altice Arena
Carcavelos
Nova School of Business and Economics
Estoril
Estoril Congress Center
Matosinhos
Porto Cruise Terminal (Port of Leixões), Matosinhos
Accomodation
Nearer to the Congress Center or situated in the most beautiful streets of Lisbon, the city hosts accomodation for every attendant of the Conference. Whether one wants to rest like a King or wake up inside a cozy Boutique room, every bed is a different bed -- but comfort is just the same, in a country known for its welcoming people and for having a keen eye for hospitality. All prices on the lists refer to single room with breakfast.
Lisboa Region: Things to do
There’s no shortage of amazing views, monuments and events to attend in the Lisboa Region during the Conference. A ray of sunshine to start the day or getting to see the city shining brightest at night, the possibilities are endless here; a truly unique, fresh, local state of mind, that you won’t let go of anytime soon.
A vibrant place, to find yourself in over and over again, Lisbon is a multicultural hub, a real mix of old and new; it sparkles in its vivaciousness all day long during summertime, when façades of white and the skies above take on amazing hues. Stroll along historic neighborhoods, visit world heritage sites and chill in open-air cafés: Lisbon is yours, truly.
A CITY BY THE SEA
Inside the walls of the Castle of São Jorge, every moment is an unforgettable one. The highest point in the city, with the genuineness of the neighbourhood of Alfama right across, it’s an unmissable opportunity to feel and see the Lisbon’s relationship with the river Tagus. Right down Alfama or Mouraria, allow yourself to feel the call of Fado, Portugal’s most distinct musical genre; by candlelight, summoned by barely a cue, the urge to sing calls, appropriating social and urban themes and the sea itself in many of the greatest hits.
One of Lisbon’s greatest hits is its largest square, Terreiro do Paço, with the Tagus in its backdrop, making for very pleasant walks when the golden hour comes. A few blocks into the city, the Santa Justa Elevator is the brightest spot of the downtown district, providing a precious view over old Lisbon and the water that bathes it. And should you decide to follow the coastline, a few kilometres ahead you’ll meet the Belém area, where you’ll find two World Heritage Sites, the crown jewels of the Gothic Manueline style, so evocative of sea-travelling: the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. A no lesser jewel is the Pastel de Belém, a famous pastry whose recipe is a mystery all of its own.
The new neighbourhood of Parque das Nações, born circa 20 years ago, is Lisbon’s ultimate ode to the sea and its charm; a revitalisation of an industrial area, nicely located by the river bank, it’s a cosmopolitan place where everything’s at, from bars to restaurants with a view – and of course, the Oceanarium, one of the largest in Europe, where you’ll find the fauna and flora of the oceans on Earth.
And if you're looking to pass your time here surrounded by culture, refined works of art and other displays of what makes a great European capital, you're just in the right place: Lisbon brims with museums, shows and events, right around just about every corner. And as a participant of UNOC you've got a double privilege: not only you'll have the opportunity to see and experience it all, you'll also have a hall pass to enter whatever marvels you'd like. All it takes is showing your UNOC badge, et voilà; check every programme and space applicable here.
A SCINTILLATING COAST
The waves of the Atlantic keep washing ashore a few miles to the west: the very heart of the UN Ocean Conference, Estoril, is no less of a place indelibly associated with the sea. Along with the municipality of Cascais nearby, they’re some of the most sought-after places in the country, ever since King Louis the First chose the bay for his summer residence, in the late 19th century. A place of opulent villas and mansions in good taste, it’s both a picturesque place caught up in the past, and the setting for a scenic route, adorned by activity that keeps on changing and evolving – and highly reputed beaches, where you can sunbathe en route to the most glowing of tans.
Further to the north, Ericeira is one of the capitals of coastal areas for Surf — worldwide! Its Surfing Reserve was the first in Europe to be certified by the Save the Waves Coalition, where great moments are generated for surfers and bodyboarders, by the way of blue, perfect waves, pursued by both freshman and experienced adventurers. And midway between it and Lisbon, Sintra is known for its green landscapes; unravelling from the mist in its magic and mystery, with the sea breeze sweeping in, it invites into delectable coastal spots like Praia das Maçãs. A dreamlike location straight out of the best romantic comedies, from where you come out someone who’s seen wonder and knows what it feels like. But don’t you count out what’s on the other side of the 25 de Abril Bridge. A treasure for fishers, for passersby and lookers, lying at the foothills of Serra da Arrábida you can find Sesimbra: a municipality brimming with the most gorgeous images a sea town can offer and a coast punctuated with Portuguese landmarks, such as the banks of the Sado river, Cape Espichel and Praia do Meco.
A TIME FOR FESTIVITY
And lastly, what a time it will be, to make a stop in Portugal: June, the month of the Popular Saints’ Festivals, a time when the Festivities of Lisbon invite everyone from everywhere to join in on the fun. Albeit more frequent on the first half of the month, on the eve of St. Anthony’s day (June 13), Lisbon’s municipal holiday, the party goes on in many neighborhoods until July’s at the door; and in Sintra, particularly, a town where the celebrated saint is St. Peter, on the 29th.
A time to dance, a time to cheer, you might come here for the Oceans, but you’ll want to stay with no return date in sight. Have a sardine, go on a walk you can smile during, go and be free in a region where all your vacation dreams can come true. Lisbon, a time to be alive.
Interested in being a volunteer at UNOC?
The protection of the oceans doesn't run its gamut with individual acts: if you are 18-30 years-old and want to do your part in this big event, there's the opportunity to be a volunteer at UNOC.
In the European Year of Youth, which highlights the importance of young people in building a better future, the Instituto Português do Desporto e Juventude (IPDJ) promotes volunteering, with various tasks available. From information to logistics, the positions are available in Lisbon, but also in Matosinhos, on June 25, for the Special Event "Localizing Action for the Ocean: Local and Regional Government". Candidates are guaranteed internal training, a certificate of participation, personal accident and civil liability insurance, and reimbursement of expenses and/or provision of access to transport and food.
More information and registering here.
FAQS
Countries requesting support to attend the UN Ocean Conference should contact UN DESA: Armin Plum, pluma@un.org
States members of the United Nations have no limit in the number of people they can register as part of their delegations. However, the number of delegates in the plenary room will be limited to 2+2. In case of negative evolution of COVID-19 pandemic, the Portuguese authorities reserve the right to, in consultation with the United Nations, introduce contingency measures limiting access to the plenary room to 1+1.
The remaining member of the delegations not allowed to access the plenary room, will nonetheless be able to watch the debate from the bleachers surrounding the room.
METRO
The closest available station, “Oriente”, part of the Metro's red line, is located at approximately 200m.
BUSES
Buses 705, 725, 750, 759, 794 make a stop nearby the Convention Center.
TRAINS
The closest available station, "Gare do Oriente", is located at approximately 200m.
AUTOMOBILE
A map with available parking places nearby the Convention Center will be provided at a later stage.
FROM LISBON TO CARCAVELOS
Take the subway Blue or Green Lines to Cais do Sodré station and then the train to Carcavelos
FROM LISBON TO PORTO
Take the bus or the train.
FROM PORTO TO MATOSINHOS
To arrive at the Conference venue at Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões in Matosinhos, one can go to Porto city center (Estação de São Bento or Avenida dos Aliados) and take a bus or the subway.
Subway: ride the Blue Line A to “Matosinhos Sul” station (800m walking distance to the cruise terminal).
Bus, Line 500: ride the bus to “Matosinhos Praia” stop (800m walking distance to the cruise terminal).
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Portuguese will be the languages of the Conference. Statements delivered in one of the languages will be interpreted into the other five. A representative may speak in a language other than a language of the Conference, if the delegation concerned provides either an interpreter or a written text of the statement in one of the official languages. Special events will be held in Portuguese and English.
For information on entry requirements, please refer to the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate of your choice, to check whether you need a visa and to know the details of the application procedure. A list of countries with VISA requirements can be found in bit.ly/UNOC2022_visa
Due to the time required for visa processing and issuing, those wishing to attend the Conference should submit their visa application as early as possible, at least 15 working days before departure from the country of origin.
Please note that visa application for entering in Portugal and registration with the UN for attending the Conference are separate procedures, and therefore delegates are strongly encouraged to obtain information on each procedure and follow their respective requirements and timelines.
Visas cannot be issued on arrival.
Most airlines fly to Lisbon. TAP Air Portugal, Portugal's flagship company, offers a 10% discount to UNOC participants, under the use of the following codes:
EVENT NAME: 2ª Conferência dos Oceanos
DISCOUNT CODE: IP22TPCG44/currency
Fights booked with a company member of Sky Team can have up to 15% discount, under the use of the following codes:
EVENT NAME: UNOC LISBON 2022
EVENT ID: 4486S
TRAVEL VALIDITY DATES: 20-JUN-22 I 08-JUL-22
Each delegation must inform the Portuguese authorities of their flight times via note verbal to the Portuguese State Protocol. In addition, a copy of the note verbale must be sent to: unoc@mne.pt
An UNOC information help desk will be present at Humberto Delgado International Airport.
Up to two separate fast lines for passport verification, depending of the number of arriving participants, could be made available at the airport. Participants are required to have their electronic register confirmation issued by the United Nations to be allowed to use these lines.
Upon arrival at the Humberto Delgado International Airport, HoS, HoG, Heads of Delegation and other delegation members and participants in the Conference will receive differential treatment for the purposes of completing migration, customs and other procedures in accordance with applicable Portuguese law for all passengers entering Portugal. There are trolleys available to passengers free of charge in the baggage claim area. In the same area, passengers can obtain information on lost baggage. Event participants can exchange currency near the arrival terminal. Delegations arriving in Lisbon by State, military or private aircraft must send a request for landing clearance via note verbale to the Portuguese State Protocol. In addition, a copy of the note verbale must be sent to: unoc@mne.pt
It is up to the embassies accredited in Lisbon to take care of all the formalities regarding passport control, the immigration desk, customs, and baggage claim.
Passengers must arrive at the airport two hours prior to the scheduled time of departure of their flight. Waiting lines at check‐in counters, security checks, baggage screening and passport control can imply a delay in transit through to the departure’s terminal. Please bear in mind that no assistance will be provided for departing members of delegations.
Event participants who arrive or depart on private or charter flights may use ground assistance services offered by charter companies at the International Airport. Services offered may vary from company to company, and all details should be confirmed with the relevant charter company prior to departure.
Metro: The red line runs every 10 or 15 minutes between the airport and the city center, depending on the time and day of the week. Altice Arena is located near the “Oriente” station, three stops away from the "Aeroporto" station.
Bus: At the airport there is a wide range of shuttle services making connections to the city centre.
Taxis: Taxis circulate 24/7 throughout the city and are always available at taxi ranks. For more information see the airport’s website.
No shuttle service will be made available. Delegates should seek their own transportation, and it is up to each Embassy to organize the transportations of their Head of Delegation (armored car included, if needed) and the whole delegation. A list of transportation services companies can be found at bit.ly/UNOC2022_transportwithdriver
Registration (request for conference badge) of official delegations of participating States and of the European Union, accredited intergovernmental organizations and entities that have observer status with the General Assembly and those intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions and other international bodies accredited to the Conference, associate members of the regional commissions, specialized agencies and related organizations is handled by the Protocol and Liaison Service (Protocol Office) through the online “e-Registration system”, which is available through the e-deleGATE portal at https://edelegate.un.int.
Pre-registration period to the Conference in New York goes from 3 May to 14 June 2022, and on-site registration in Lisbon happens from 23 June to 1 July 2022.
New focal points and delegations wishing to obtain information on the “e-Registration system” may refer to the updated “Guidelines on using the e-Registration system” and “Frequently asked questions” on the Protocol website at: https://www.un.org/dgacm/en/content/protocol/meetings.
The UN Registration Centre for delegations will be located outside the entrance of the Conference venue and will be open for badge collection starting on Thursday, 23 June through Friday, 1 July 2022. Working hours of the Registration Centre: 23 to 28 June, 9.00am to 6.00pm; 29 to 30 June, 9.00am to 5.00pm; 1 July, 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Conference badges for approved in-person participants may also be collected by representatives of the embassies/consulates-general of the delegations in Portugal or in the region. For this purpose, a Note Verbale (with official stamp) from the Permanent Mission of the delegation to the United Nations in New York or the embassy/consulate-general in Portugal, indicating the name (in English) and contact mobile number of the representative authorized to collect the conference badges and secondary access cards for the delegation, must be presented at the Registration Centre along with a passport or a government-issued photo identification of the representative in order to collect the conference badges and secondary access cards. Note that copies of the passports of the delegation must also be presented together with the Note Verbale to collect the conference badges.
Delegates/representatives collecting the conference badges and secondary access cards must be mindful that it is their responsibility to ensure safe delivery of the badges and access cards to members of their delegations. The Registration Centre will not re-issue duplicate passes/secondary access cards.
Please check at https://www.un.org/en/media/accreditation/accreditation.shtml and this guide.
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and in compliance with the public health provisions in place in Portugal at the time of the Conference, the Portuguese authorities will send update information closer to the event. However, it is strongly advised to have a travelling health insurance and to understand what is covered before traveling, in case of positive test.
The local emergency number is 112. The National Institute of Medical Emergency (INEM) is the Portuguese Health government’s agency responsible for all medical emergency issues in Portugal. INEM is also responsible for the health protection of High Entities and medical emergency assistance. During the United Nations Ocean Conference, there will be Medical Emergency teams present from the moment of arrival in Portugal until the moment of departure. They will be at the airport, on the defined routes, at the venues. INEM coordinates with local hospitals and, if necessary, it will activate appropriate protocols for assisting High Entities and for mass casualty events.
The Portuguese Government considers as high priority matters relating to the security of delegations participating in the Conference. A security zone will be established around the venue during the meetings. Only registered vehicles and accredited delegates will be authorized to enter the security zone. The personal identification badges must always be worn and displayed within the security zone. Please note that only badge holders can gain access and walk around in the meeting venue.
Upon entering the venue, delegates will be required to pass through security screening. Please note that security guards may conduct bag searches and delegates may be asked to hand over any items nor permitted inside the building. It is highly advisable to leave any personal items that are not needed during the meetings at the hotel, especially suitcases and travel bags. Only HOS and HOG will be exempted from scanning.
The Portuguese government asks for delegations' comprehension and cooperation in this endeavor. All delegations will be cordially invited to follow the instructions given by security personnel.
Regarding the Close Protection Officers (CPO), upon arrival, and including the advance teams, they will be integrated in mixed teams and briefed about reconnaissance, convoys composition, seating positions and other issues. Public Security Police, through its Close Protection Unit and other police units, will implement an adequate security scheme during the stay of the High Entities in national territory, and will, as usual in these cases, frame the police elements accompanying the entities. Prior to arrival, the member states ought to send a list regarding: Contact person (Team Leader, mobile phone, and e mail); regarding firearms (type, serial number, caliber and type of ammunition); Communications equipment (Type and details).
Please be aware that authorizations are required for the import, possession and carrying of firearms in Portugal, and that only police officers of the member states can use firearms. The weapons permit will be given at the airport after a brief checking. A special badge will be issued for armed CPO. Note that only short-barrelled firearms will be allowed, and the use of Jamming frequencies devices will not.
If a radio frequency is needed, information on the frequency range and technical characteristics should also be communicated to the State Protocol Department.
Please note that firearms will not be allowed at the Conference venue.
Inside the Blue Zone, a food court will be set, with several food trucks where participants will get to choose their meal.
Side events can be organized outside the official meetings of the Conference, either in-person or virtually: consult the programme at https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022/programme. The side events are an opportunity to share knowledge and solutions to accelerate implementation of SDG 14, identify new and emerging issues, and exchange a variety of views. A list of places for organizing side events outside the venue can be found here: https://airtable.com/shr8eQPyg1XxCbrKK
Tap water: Tap water is safe to drink in Portugal. EPAL (Empresa Portuguesa das Águas Livres, SA) will offer reusable bottles to all participants. To check the quality of Lisbon water daily please use the following app: Android and iOS.
Local Time: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Currency and Credit Cards: EURO (€); Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Emergency Number: 112
Country code: +351
Electricity: 230 v, 50 Hz; Plug types C and F / Standard continental European dual round-pronged plugs.
Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor public areas, except in those with allocated zones for smokers.
Business hours: Most shops in Lisbon are open between 8:00 and 20:00 from Monday to Saturday. Shops are generally closed on Sundays, but basic goods can be found in supermarkets. Shopping center Vasco da Gama (located next to Altice Arena), is open between 8:00 and 00:00, from Monday to Sunday.
For information concerning Lisbon, please visit https://www.visitlisboa.com/
For information concerning cultural activities in Lisbon, please visit: https://www.agendalx.pt
For general information on Portugal, please visit https://www.visitportugal.com/en
For general information please contact: unoc@mne.pt
For side events information please contact: ana.francisco@mne.pt cc to unoc@mne.pt
For airport arrangements please contact : sp@mne.pt cc to unoc@mne.pt
For weapons clearence please contact: sp@mne.pt