A Taíno Leader Attends UN Oceans Conference

#UNOC3 #Taino #treaty_council

On behalf of the International Indian Treaty Council, Kasike R. Múkaro Agueibaná Borrero addresses the plenary session of the United Nations Oceans Conference held in Nïce, France on 12 June 2025. UN Photo.

Nice, France (UCTP Taíno News) - The Third United Nations Oceans Conference, held in Nïce from June 9-13, 2025, aimed build commitments for action and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean. It focused on implementing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) related to the marine environment. The conference brought together heads of state, government officials, civil society representatives, Indigenous Peoples, business leaders, and scientists to address pressing issues facing the ocean, including plastic pollution, climate change, and illegal fishing. On behalf of the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC), Guainía Taíno Kasike R. Múkaro Borrero attended the conference to help raise the visibility of Indigenous Peoples. "As a Taíno, an Indigenous person whose traditional homelands are in the Caribbean islands, this was an an important conference to attend. This is because as Peoples who have a sacred relationship with the Oceans and Seas, we know what is at stake on multiple levels, temporally and spiritually, Our Peoples are seeing the effects of the World's disrespect to the Oceans in realtime. Our Oceans are in trouble and we all need to come together to protect and defend her. The World needs to be in right relationship with the Oceans." Kasike Borrero attended and spoke at various side events, met with UN officials and governmental leaders. He before also spoke before the governments of the world in one of the scheduled plenary sessions held on June 12. Borrero also worked to gather support improve the ongoing networks of Indigenous Peoples engaging in these spaces moving forward. The conference saw the adoption of a Political Declaration, which sets the tone and ambition for global ocean action. Ten Ocean Action Panels produced recommendations for future action. Additionally, the conference emphasized the importance of partnerships and collaboration between governments, UN agencies, international organizations, civil society, and the private sector. 

While not legally binding, the Political Declaration is a significant outcome that signals a commitment to ocean health and encourages further action. The fourth UN Ocean Conference will be co-hosted by Chile and the Republic of Korea in 2028, according to the United Nations.  UCTPTN06/16/2025