Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has departed for Nice, France, to attend the 3rd United Nations Oceans Conference, scheduled from 9 to 13 June 2025. Representing the Maldives as the country’s highest-ranking delegate at the summit, Minister Shiyam will take center stage during the opening session, delivering a national statement that underscores the country’s longstanding commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable fisheries.
Held under the theme “Scaling up Ocean Action Based on Science and Innovation for the Implementation of Goal 14: Stocktaking, Partnerships and Solutions”, the UN Oceans Conference is a key global platform for high-level policy discussions on marine conservation. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, this year’s gathering in Nice brings together heads of state, ministers, scientists, civil society, and private sector leaders to deliberate on collective efforts to protect the world’s oceans in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14.
In his address, Minister Shiyam will spotlight the Maldives’ success in implementing sustainable, environmentally responsible fishing practices—particularly the traditional pole-and-line tuna fishery, internationally recognized as the most sustainable tuna fishing method. He will present the Maldives’ case as a model for how small island developing states (SIDS) can manage marine resources effectively while confronting mounting environmental and economic pressures.
The Minister is expected to call for greater international recognition and support for countries that uphold rigorous marine protection standards. He will advocate for increased global funding for ocean conservation efforts and propose the creation of a system that grants special privileges to environmentally vulnerable nations like the Maldives. These privileges, he will argue, should be extended to countries that are already demonstrating responsible stewardship of ocean resources through sustainable practices.
A key concern Minister Shiyam plans to raise is the issue of disproportionate tariff burdens that hinder the competitiveness of Maldives’ fish exports in global markets. Despite the country’s eco-friendly fishing methods, it continues to face high tariff rates compared to larger fish-exporting nations. This imbalance, he will argue, undermines the economic viability of sustainable fisheries and creates obstacles for fair trade. He will urge the international community to restructure tariff frameworks to incentivize and reward sustainability, ensuring a level playing field for countries making responsible environmental choices.
In addition to the main conference proceedings, the Maldives is organizing a dedicated side event aimed at addressing challenges and opportunities facing small-scale fisheries. The session will bring together global experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on how to scale sustainable development practices within small-scale fishing communities. Discussions will cover policy innovation, sustainable fishery management models, and cross-border partnerships to support island nations in achieving long-term food security and economic stability through responsible fisheries.
Through Minister Shiyam’s participation, the Maldives continues to play a vocal and active role in shaping international ocean governance, highlighting the unique perspectives and challenges faced by small island nations that are deeply dependent on marine resources. His presence at the conference not only reinforces the Maldives’ dedication to environmental stewardship but also positions the country as a leader in advocating for equitable solutions in global marine policy.
For international tourists, marine enthusiasts, and ocean-conscious travelers, the Maldives remains a symbol of harmony between tourism and sustainability, where vibrant coral reefs, pristine waters, and responsibly managed fisheries coexist to preserve one of the planet’s most treasured marine ecosystems.
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