Event

THE FORGOTTEN HALF OF THE PLANET: THE HIGH SEAS

Picture of two sharks in the ocean.
Will Rose / Greenpeace

In collaboration with The High Seas Alliance, we discuss the urgent role youth and youth leaders can and must play in advancing the United Nations High Seas Treaty.

Time: 10 Jun 2021 12:00 - 14:30
Place: Online

The ocean is the largest ecosystem on Earth and makes life on our beautiful blue planet habitable.

Over 60% of the world’s ocean is in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) or “the High Seas” – our shared global commons where no single nation has authority. These ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction are home to significant biodiversity, including unique species that have evolved to survive extreme heat, cold, salinity, pressure and darkness. Yet, these fragile ecosystems are staggering under pressures from increasing and largely unregulated human activities, as well as and the effects of climate change.

A New United Nations Treaty for the High Seas: A “Paris Agreement” for the Ocean

The greatest opportunity in a generation to safeguard the ocean is happening right now. World governments are in the final stages of negotiating a new treaty under the United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) - the first ever to focus on conserving and ensuring sustainable use of biodiversity of the ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction.

The Urgent & Crucial Role for Youth Leadership in Norway and across the Globe

The Nobel Peace Center, in collaboration with The High Seas Alliance, invite youth and youth leaders across Norway and the globe to join this important, timely gathering to discuss the urgent role youth and youth leaders can and must play in advancing the United Nations High Seas Treaty.

PROGRAM:

Host and moderator:

Erik Aasheim

Opening:

Kjersti Fløgstad, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center,

Vidar Helgesen, Executive Director of the Nobel Foundation and former Minister of Climate and Environment, Norway

Session 1:

The Forgotten Half of the Planet: Why youth should care about the UN High Seas Treaty

This session will explore the importance of the high seas, why a legally binding international treaty is urgently needed, progress towards advancing the High Seas Treaty, the connection with protection of 30% of the ocean by 2030 (30x30), and the importance of intergenerational equity and youth leadership on the high seas.

Speakers:

Travis Aten, Program Associate, High Seas Alliance

Sean Russell: Earh Echo International, Associate Director of Youth Engagement and Partnership

Sunna Svendsen, Sami Youth Representative

Dr. Peter Haugan, Programme Director at Institute of Marine Research, Norway, professor of oceanography at the Geophysical Institute, University of Bergen

Session 2: Norwegian Youth Leaders: Demanding more than Empty Promises

What role can youth and youth leaders in Norway play in advancing protection of the High Seas?

Halvard Raavand, Arctic Oceans Campaigner, GreenPeace Norway

Petter Hov Jacobsen, Norwegian Arctic Youth Panel Representative, Student Tromsø

Nicole Furnes, Norwegian Arctic Youth Panel Representative, Student Bodø

Session 3: Working Together for our Global Commons

This panel discussion will explore the roles of government, civil society and the private sector play in relation to our global commons and advancing the adoption and implementation of a UN High Seas Treaty.

Kjell Kristian Egge, International Law Advisor, Norwegian MFA

Thina Saltvedt, Senior Advisor, Sustainable Finance Nordea Bank

Nina Jensen, Executive Director, REV Ocean

Session 4: Advancing Global Action for the High Seas

What can youth around the world do to advance the protection of the High Seas and advocacy for the urgent adoption of a UN High Seas Treaty?

Sheena Taylor Youth Scientist at Nekton

Emma Wilkinson Global Choices/Arctic Angels

Marie-Morgane Rouyer, BBNJ Youth Network

Sophie Nordvik KFUK-KFUM

Britney Hay, High Seas Youth Ambassador