United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has declared maritime security a pillar of global peace, asserting that the safety of oceans is directly tied to the well-being of the international community. He made the comments during a high-level debate at the United Nations Security Council focused on maritime threats and sustainable ocean governance.
Addressing Council members during the special session, Guterres issued a stark warning about the consequences of failing to protect the world’s oceans and maritime routes. He underscored that everything from economic stability to environmental preservation depends on ensuring maritime safety.
“All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas,” Guterres emphasized. “From the oxygen we breathe to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economy’s trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.”
The Secretary-General added that the health and safety of the seas have far-reaching implications that go beyond regional disputes or piracy, touching on every corner of the globe. His address came amid rising concern over increasing geopolitical tensions at sea, illegal fishing, piracy, trafficking, and environmental degradation.
“Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact: Without maritime security, there can be no global security,” Guterres said firmly.
The Critical Role of Oceans in Global Stability
Guterres highlighted the interconnected nature of oceanic ecosystems and global development. He pointed to the oceans’ role in generating over 50% of the Earth’s oxygen and absorbing a significant portion of the carbon dioxide produced by human activity.
“Oceans regulate our climate and weather. They are home to nearly 80 percent of all life on Earth,” he explained. “And they support the livelihoods of more than 3 billion people — especially in developing and island nations.”
Yet, Guterres lamented, the world is not doing enough to protect these crucial waters. Illegal activities and poor governance in maritime regions continue to erode peace and economic progress.
“Maritime insecurity is undermining sustainable development. It’s hurting coastal communities, threatening food security, and endangering vital supply chains.”
Threats to Maritime Security
During his remarks, Guterres identified several pressing threats contributing to the current crisis in maritime security. These include:
- Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea: Though reduced in recent years, maritime piracy remains a concern, especially in the Gulf of Guinea, the Horn of Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Illicit Trafficking and Smuggling: The seas are being exploited for the trafficking of drugs, arms, and even humans, posing grave threats to regional and international peace.
- Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Guterres called IUU fishing a serious challenge to sustainable fisheries and food security, particularly in developing regions.
- Maritime Disputes: Territorial disputes and overlapping claims continue to spark tensions, sometimes escalating into military confrontations.
- Environmental Degradation: Marine pollution, plastic waste, and climate-induced ocean changes are further compromising the ecological balance.
“These diverse and complex threats require a united, international response rooted in law, cooperation, and sustainable practices,” Guterres said.
The Importance of Multilateral Action
The Secretary-General called on UN member states to strengthen cooperation in combating maritime crimes and protecting ocean ecosystems. He urged nations to fully implement the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which serves as the global legal framework governing ocean affairs.
“International law, and particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, must remain the cornerstone of all action in maritime spaces,” Guterres stressed.
He also praised regional efforts to enhance maritime domain awareness and security cooperation but noted that more investment and technology-sharing are needed.
“By working together, nations can patrol vast areas more efficiently, share critical information, and respond faster to threats. No country can tackle these challenges alone,” he said.
A Call for Sustainable Ocean Governance
Guterres closed his speech with a passionate appeal for sustainable ocean governance, urging leaders not only to secure the seas but also to restore them.
“Our oceans are under assault from pollution, overexploitation, and climate change. Maritime security must go hand in hand with sustainability,” he said.
He encouraged member states to align maritime policies with the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which seeks to conserve and sustainably use ocean resources.
“Let us not forget: The oceans connect us all. Their protection is not just a matter of sovereignty or security — it is a shared responsibility for our common future.”
Global Support for Ocean Peace
The Security Council session drew participation from numerous UN member states, many of whom echoed Guterres’ concerns and pledged enhanced cooperation.
Representatives from small island nations spoke of their vulnerability to rising sea levels and the impact of illegal fishing on their economies. Meanwhile, major naval powers acknowledged the need for more coordinated patrols and data-sharing mechanisms.
Diplomats from Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America agreed that the time has come for a renewed focus on maritime governance, with a balance between security, economic development, and environmental protection.
As the meeting concluded, there was a collective understanding that global peace and prosperity cannot be achieved without secure and sustainable oceans.
