Ocean Panel leaders stress key role of oceans in climate-related efforts
News story | Date: 23/09/2026 | Office of the Prime Minister
Leaders participating in the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel) met today in connection with the UN General Assembly in New York. Among other things, the discussions revolved around how ocean-related measures can help to achieve climate goals.
The Ocean Panel brings together heads of state or government from countries with extensive ocean interests. A key objective of cooperation under the Panel is to build sustainable ocean economies at the global level.
The role of the oceans in mitigating climate change
This year's annual meeting of the Ocean Panel leaders focused in particular on the ocean-climate nexus, and the role of ocean-based solutions in achieving climate and environmental targets.
Topics discussed included how the member countries can work together to place ocean-based climate action higher on the agenda at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 31) in Türkiye in November.
‘The oceans play a critical role in regulating the climate, and in ensuring food security, a reliable energy supply and economic development. At the same time, we are seeing that climate change is posing an increasing threat to the oceans. That is why ocean-based solutions must be a part of our response to climate change,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
New progress report
During the meeting, the Ocean Panel presented its third progress report tracking how individual countries are following up their commitments to establish integrated, sustainable ocean management regimes.
The report shows progress in the efforts to achieve sustainable management of ocean areas under national jurisdiction and in the implementation of the Ocean Panel's ocean action agenda.
‘The Ocean Panel's progress report indicates that member countries are taking active steps to translate ambitious plans into concrete measures,’ said Mr Støre.
International cooperation in a more unstable world
The participants at the meeting emphasised the importance of continued international cooperation on ocean-related issues at a time when geopolitical tensions are rising and the multilateral system is under pressure.
‘The results achieved by the Ocean Panel show that international cooperation pays off. The Ocean Panel is a forum where we can share our experiences, find joint solutions and work together to promote sustainable ocean management,’ said Mr Støre.