Secretary General of SAARC H.E. Md. Golam Sarwar addresses the 8th Indian Ocean Conference being held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman on 16-17 February 2025, speaking in the Plenary Session on the theme, "Navigating New Frontiers: Evolving Maritime Landscape in the 21st Century."
Here are the highlights of the Secretary General's remarks:
1. "The importance of the Indian Ocean is beyond question – in economic dimension as well as strategic -- as it has become the lifeline of the world's increasing maritime economic activities."
2. "For the SAARC Members, including the three landlocked countries, the Indian Ocean provides space for external trade and access to the high seas, hence the region is deeply intertwined with the dynamics of the Indian Ocean."
3. "As we navigate the waves into the 21st century, the landscape of global trade, environmental challenges, technological advancements, and
geopolitical shifts is transforming the maritime world in ways that are both exciting and, at times, daunting."
4. "Climate-induced disasters have increasingly impacted coastal states and small islands as well as the mountains, and it is crucial to ensure that developing nations have access to the technology and financing needed for adaptation and mitigation."
5. "Securing new frontiers in the maritime sector goes beyond merely safeguarding geographical boundaries. It calls for a comprehensive
approach that integrates a variety of perspectives, addressing the complex challenges of today’s world."
6. "International community must reaffirm its commitment to UNCLOS and to ensure that its principles are upheld in letter and spirit. Let us work together to close gaps in implementation and to ensure that the Convention remains relevant in the face of new challenges, ensuring countries' right to access the seas, participate in the exploration of marine resources, and benefit from the global commons."