[Check against delivery] 

Excellencies,

I deliver this statement on behalf of the Executive Director of UNOPS Jorge Moreira da Silva.

UNOPS is committed to transformative action to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources. We support the commitments set out in the “Peace for the Ocean” declaration, and we stand ready to work with partners in the process to ratify and implement the High Sea Treaty.

UNOPS has a focus on operations, with expertise in infrastructure, procurement and project management. We support ocean-based adaptation and mitigation efforts in a number of ways.

From resilient infrastructure projects aimed at adaptation and mitigation to managing small grants for coastal communities. From marine and coastal protection using nature-based solutions, to supporting sustainable ocean-based economies that leave no one behind.

In this context, a key focus for UNOPS is to support countries to significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities. We stand ready to support Member States’ deliberations on the ocean action panel theme 'Tackling marine pollution in all of its forms'.

We invite Member States to consider the importance of land-based infrastructure in preventing marine pollution. Solid waste management facilities and plans as well as water treatment facilities represent an important element in preventing land-based marine pollution and UNOPS stands ready to support countries in advancing SDG target 14.1.

As co-hosts of the Santiago Network Secretariat, together with UNDRR, we help catalyze technical assistance and boost the capacity of vulnerable countries to effectively manage climate-related loss and damage, including Ocean-related loss and damage.

And at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), UNOPS signed an MoU with the Alliance of Small Island States to commit to supporting the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS (ABAS) to build resilience and prosperity for these states.

All of this is only possible through robust partnerships. At UNOPS, we stand ready to work closely with our partners, to support ocean-based climate action, for a better future for people and the planet.