Our Ocean Conference

Kami delivered this compelling message via word and song at last week's One Ocean conference in Palau.

The 7th Our Ocean conference brought together scientists, civil society groups, and representatives from both the private sector and world governments, including the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry.

Hu'akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni told 500 delegates from more than 80 nations "that we are small island communities with small economies and capacities and managing our ocean alone."

The prime minister quoted renowned Pacific academic and ocean champion, the late Epeli Hauʻofa:

'Oceania is vast, Oceania is expanding, Oceania is hospitable and generous, Oceania is humanity rising from the depths of brine and regions of fire deeper still, Oceania is us.'

Palau and the United States are co-hosting the conference which was seen as a key global event for countries, civil society, and industry to commit to concrete and significant actions to protect the ocean.

This is the seventh year of the conference and the first time it's been held in the Pacific region.

Security around the venue was tight with roads around the conference site closed.

The conference was opened by Palau's president Surangel Whipps Jr and the US Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry.