Vietnam co-chairs high-level session on advancing sustainable fisheries

On June 11, in the framework of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam Bui Thanh Son, and Minister of Environmental Protection and Green Transition of the Republic of Croatia Marija Vučković co-chaired Thematic Session 5: “Promoting Sustainable Fisheries Management and Supporting Small-Scale Fisheries.”

The Vietnamese delegation, led by the Deputy PM, included representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as well as senior officials from the Vietnam Administration of Seas and Islands, Directorate of Fisheries, and the International Cooperation Department, who collectively contributed to shaping Vietnam’s commitments toward ocean sustainability.

Panelists in the session included Mr. Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the FAO; Mr. Pio Manoa, Assistant Director-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency; Ms. Editrudith Lukanga, Secretary-General of the African Women Fish Processors and Traders Network; and Mr. Costas Kadis, Co-Chair of the Regional Fisheries Secretariats Network, United Kingdom.

Speakers emphasized the vital role of fisheries in ensuring global food and nutrition security, conserving marine biodiversity, and supporting coastal economies, particularly through small-scale fisheries. Emphasis was placed on regional cooperation, capacity building, technological innovation, and the promotion of a transparent and responsible seafood trade as vital pillars of sustainable development.

A unifying message echoed throughout the dialogue: that fisheries must play a central role in achieving global food security and sustainable development through science-based, inclusive, and collaborative approaches.

In his keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the strategic importance of sustainable fisheries in maintaining the long-term health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities, particularly small-scale fishers who are disproportionately affected by climate change, ocean degradation, and pollution.

Titled “Life Below Water”, SDG14 aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.The SDG calls for urgent action to reduce marine pollution, protect marine ecosystems, end overfishing, and eliminate harmful fishing subsidies.

SDG 14 also promotes support for small-scale fishers, advances marine science and technology, and strengthens international cooperation to ensure healthy and productive oceans that can sustain livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity for future generations.

Deputy Prime Minister Son affirmed Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to promoting sustainable fisheries by safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities, ensuring income stability, and gradually reducing dependence on marine exploitation. Vietnam places high priority on improving the living and working conditions of fishers, particularly those in coastal areas, through vocational training and the adoption of environmentally friendly fishing techniques to ensure long-term viability.

He emphasized the need to empower fishing communities, cooperatives, and, in particular, women in the governance and sustainable management of marine resources.

In a spirit of solidarity and partnership, Vietnam will work closely with international partners to expand access to green finance, apply advanced technologies, and share best practices for sustainable fisheries governance and combating IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing.

To achieve these goals, Vietnam proposed initiatives to establish international cooperation frameworks that coordinate and support small-scale fisheries regionally and globally, set up technical and financial support mechanisms for developing countries and small-scale fisheries in achieving SDG 14, and promote networks for sharing fisheries data and resource restoration within the FAO and other multilateral initiatives.

Domestically, Vietnam has established robust policy and legal frameworks, notably the Law on Fisheries 2017, which serves as a critical foundation for sustainable fisheries development. This law emphasizes the preservation and protection of small-scale fisheries, encourages community participation, and promotes co-management. The Fisheries Development Strategy towards 2030 aims to protect marine ecosystems and restore aquatic resources, proposing measures to establish marine protected areas and restricted fishing zones. Therefore, Vietnam consistently pursues transitioning from environmentally harmful fishing practices to eco-friendly models harmonious with marine ecosystems.

Thematic Session 5 was among ten thematic dialogues held in parallel with plenary discussions during UNOC3 (June 9–13, 2025). As one of the most anticipated and well-attended sessions, it welcomed approximately 600 delegates and participants from across the globe.