Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud addressed the high-level panel of foreign ministers at the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens, stressing the importance of responsible and sustainable ocean management.

Highlighting Bangladesh's significant maritime border and historical ties to the ocean, Dr Hasan emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to balancing ocean management for both environmental conservation and the socioeconomic development of coastal communities.

He underscored Bangladesh's efforts, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in ensuring sustainable ocean management and leveraging maritime resources to enhance socioeconomic conditions for its people.

Dr Hasan urged the international community to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Treaty and allocate resources for ocean biodiversity restoration. He also highlighted the unfulfilled promise of $10 billion by various countries for ecosystem development and green shipping.

The panel discussion included interventions from foreign ministers of Greece, Costa Rica, Cape Verde, Sao Tome, and Principe, who made national commitments toward ocean conservation and sustainability.