AN INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE AGAINST TRANSNATIONAL ORGANISED CRIME IN THE GLOBAL FISHING INDUSTRY

Blue Justice Conference 2023

23-24 March 2023

Venue: UN City, Copenhagen, Denmark (and virtually)

Agenda
Contact

Working together against fisheries crime using digital innovation

Supporters and High Level Participants

I strongly support the International Declaration on Transnational Organized Crime in the Global Fishing Industry, which has now been endorsed by 51 governments. In 2020, global capture fisheries production was 90.3 million tonnes. It is estimated that 600 million people depend on the sector for their livelihoods, worldwide along the entire value chain. We know that illegal fishing, economic crime and even human trafficking exist in the global fishing industry. If we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the world must address these crimes. Through the Blue Justice Initiative, Norway will contribute to a digital transformation in fisheries law enforcement by providing digital tools that facilitate inter-agency, regional and international cooperation.
Jonas-Gahr-Store
H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre
Norwegian Prime Minister
The work against transnational organized crime in the global fishing industry started with a few dedicated individuals and a handful of countries almost fifteen years ago. Norway has supported a number of projects and a series of international conferences on this issue during these years. Two important milestones were the adoption of expert recommendations in 2015 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and the Copenhagen Declaration in 2018. Since then, we have seen the rise of a movement against transnational organized crime in the global fishing industry, with the support of nearly one third of the world’s Coastal States. I hope that the Blue Justice Conference will be successful by giving this important topic the global attention which it deserves.
bjornar-selnes-skjaran
H.E. Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran
Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy
Fisheries crime and transnational organised crime creates and sustains poverty and undermines sustainable development. To have a fair and sustainable blue economy is crucial for all countries. We depend on the ocean for jobs, food security and nutrition, health and energy in order to fulfil the Sustainable development Goals. To combat fisheries crimes we need close cooperation, better sharing of knowledge and stronger action. Cross-sectoral cooperation is pivotal, across government agencies and across borders. We should also use smart digital solutions that assist in this cooperation. The Blue Justice Initiative is an excellent example. Let’s work together towards a sustainable and fair blue economy!
ann
H.E. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim
Minister of International Development, Norway​
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to supporting collective, integrated and inclusive responses to challenges threatening progress towards realizing the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP supports national partners in seeking global solutions to address the challenges facing the use of the ocean and its resources towards a sustainable and fair Blue Economy. The 2023 Blue Justice Conference brings together stakeholders worldwide to reflect on progress, share lessons learnt and elevate enhanced leverage of innovative digital tools and multilateralism towards jointly realizing this goal.
UlrikaModeer
Ms. Ulrika Modéer
Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Jamaica’s continued commitment to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and its inextricable links with crimes in the fisheries sector is unquestionable. Jamaica suffers significant losses from IUU fishing and such crimes which negatively impacts our most lucrative catch – our lobster and conch fisheries. To this end, our portfolio agency, the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), is part of the Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative’s secure cooperative online platform: the Blue Justice Community administered by UNDP. As Minister, I pledge my full support to the Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative (BJI) and reiterate my ongoing commitment to the fight a against IUU fishing and transnational and organized crime in the fisheries sector. We look forward to continued collaboration for the foreseeable future, as we create more effective deterrent mechanisms to combat this scourge on the fisheries sector and serve as the hosts of the Blue Justice Caribbean Hub.
HM Charles
Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr​
Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica​
Jonas-Gahr-Store
bjornar-selnes-skjaran
ann
UlrikaModeer
HM Charles

H.E Papa Sagna Mbaye

Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Senegal

Hon. Sudheer Maudhoo

Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping of the Republic of Mauritius

H.E Mohamed Abidine Mayif

Ministre Des Pèches et de l'Économie Maritime, Mauritania

Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr

Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica​

Hon. Miguel S. Flemming

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Marine Resources and Cooperatives, St. Kitts & Nevis

H.E. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim

Minister of International Development, Norway

Mr. Jens Wandel

Under-Secretary-General and Acting Executive Director, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

H.E Ministre Charlotte Daffé

Ministre de la Pêche et de l'Economie Maritime, Republic of Guinea

H.E Carmen Evelize Dos Santos

Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Angola

H.E Tsimanaoraty Paubert Mahatante

Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Madagascar

H.E Jean-Francois Ferrari

Minister for Fisheries and Blue Economy, Seychelles

H.E Josephine Olivia Connolly

Minister for Fisheries, Turks and Caicos Islands

H.E Bredy Charlot

Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Haiti

Hon. Crenston Buffonge

Minister of Agriculture, Montserrat

H.E. Jullan Defoe

Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue and Green Economy, Dominica

H.E. Abraão Aníbal Barbosa Vicente

Minister for Culture, Creative Industries and the Sea, Cabo Verde

Emma C. Metieh Glassco

Director General, National Fisheries & Aquaculture Authority, Liberia

Hon. Zalfikar Mustapha

Minister of Agriculture, Guyana

H.E. Samal Duggins

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources St. Kitts and Nevis

H.E. Ilza Maria Amado Vaz

Minister of Justice, São Tomé e Príncipe

H.E. Parmanand Sewidien

Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries, Suriname

H.E. Lidia Cardoso

Minister of Sea, Inland Water and Fisheries, Mozambique

H.E. Sabato Caesar

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry and Labour, St, Vincent and the Grenadines

H.E. Sidi Tiémoko Toure

Minister of Fishery and Livestocks, Côte d'Ivoire

Abdelouahed Benabbou

Executive Secretary of ATLAFCO

H.E. Andrés Arens Hidalgo

Vice minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Ecuador

H.E. Karl Tobiassen

Minister for Fisheries and Hunting, Greenland

H.E. Adrian Forde

Minister of Environment, National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Barbados

H.E. Mavis Hawa Koomson

Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ghana

Hon. Ribanataake Tiawau​

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Kiribati

H.E. Silvia Makgone

Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Namibia

Mr. Carlos Mello

Vice-Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Brazil

H.E. Mairi Gougeon

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Scotland

H.E. Betsy M. Njagi

Principal Secretary , State Department for the Blue Economy & Fisheries, Kenya

H.E. Salim Mvurya

Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, Kenya

H.E. Martha Delgado Peralta

Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Mexico

H.E. Augusto Valderrama

Ministry of Agricultural Development, Panama

H.E. Haji Kazim Hosein

Ministry of Agriculture, Land, and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago

H.E. Wawani Joe Grant Dowiyogo

Minister of Fisheries, Nauru

Hon. Tarakabu Tofinga

Minister of Justice, Kiribati

H.E. Kittona Tausi

Minister for Fisheries and Trade, Tuvalu

Mr. Alongkorn Ponlaboot

Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand

Anastasia Rita Tisiana Dwi Kuswardani

Head of Delivering Unit on behalf of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia

H.E. Ahmed Hassan Adan

Minister of Fisheries & Blue Economy, Somalia

H.E Ali Ifiye Ali

Deputy Minister of Fisheries & Blue Economy, Somalia

Objectives

Blue Justice Conference 2023 objectives are:

  • Share
    To share experiences, highlight challenges and inspire creative solutions towards strengthened inter-agency cooperation and international cooperation to address fisheries crime.
  • Showcase
    To highlight innovative digital tools and opportunities available through the Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative to address fisheries crime, such as the Blue Justice Community digital platform administrated by UNDP.
  • Support
    To facilitate technical support in use of these digital tools, including AIS and Satellite based information.

The Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy together with the Norwegian Minister of International Development explain what fisheries crime is, and the importance of cooperation to address the problem. They outline how the Norwegian Blue Justice Initiative supports this.

Agenda

Day 1: HIGH LEVEL DIALOGUES

23 MARCH

Registration

Auditorium 1

07:30-9:00 CET

Welcome

Auditorium 3

Moderator:

  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway

 

Remarks by:

  • Jens Wandel, Under Secretary-General and Acting Executive Director, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
  • Security brief

9:00-9:10 CET

Official Opening

Auditorium 3

Moderator:

  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway

 

Remarks by:

  • H.E Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister, Norway (virtual)
  • H.E. Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Norway
  • H.E. Anne Beathe Tvinnereim, Minister of International Development, Norway
  • Ulrika Modéer, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • Milton Haughton, Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat

9:10-9:45 CET

Country insights:
Session 1

Auditorium 3

Moderator:

  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway

 

Remarks by:

  • H.E. Carmen Evelize Dos Santos, Minister of Fisheries & Marine Resources, Angola
  • H.E. Carlos Mello, Vice-Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Brazil
  • H.E. Abraão Aníbal Barbosa Vicente, Minister of the Sea, Cape Verde
  • H.E Mavis Hawa Koomson, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Ghana
  • Anastasia Rita Tisiana Dwi Kuswardani, Head of Delivering Unit on behalf of the Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
  • H.E. Salim Mvurya, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Kenya
  • H.E. Tofinga Tarakabu, Minister of Justice, Kiribati
  • H.E. Emma Glassco, Director General of National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, Liberia
  • H.E. Sidi Tiémoko Toure, Minister of Fisheries & Livestock, Ivory Coast (virtual)
  • H.E. Sudheer Maudhoo, Minister of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries & Shipping, Mauritius (virtual)
  • H.E. Mohamed Abidine Mayif, Minister of Fisheries & Maritime Economy, Mauritania (virtual; pre-recorded)
  • H.E. Tsimanaoraty Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries & Blue Economy, Madagascar (virtual; pre-recorded)
  • Martha Delgado, Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights, Mexico (virtual; pre-recorded)

9:45-10:45 CET

Deep dive:
Regional Cooperation Mechanisms

Auditorium 3
Moderator:
  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway
 
Speakers:
  • Milton Haughton, Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat
  • Abdelouahed Benabbou, Executive Secretary, Ministerial Conference on fisheries cooperation among African States bordering the Atlantic Ocean (ATLAFCO)

10:45-11:00 CET

Group photo and coffee break

Main hall and Auditorium 2

11:00-11:45 CET

Country insights:
Session 2

Auditorium 3
Moderator:
  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway
  Remarks by:
  • H.E. Crenston C. Buffonge, Minister of Agriculture, Lands, Housing & the Environment, Montserrat
  • H.E. Lidia Cardoso, Minister of Sea, Inland Water and Fisheries Mozambique
  • H.E. Silvia Makgone, Deputy Minister of Fisheries & Marine Resources, Namibia
  • H.E. Wawani Joe-Grant Dowiyogo, Minister for Fisheries and Nauru Utilities Cooperation, Nauru
  • H.E. Ilza Maria Amado Vaz, Minister of Justice, Public Administration and Human Rights, Sao Tome and Principe
  • H.E. Papa Sagna Mbaye, Minister of Fisheries & Maritime Economy, Senegal
  • H.E. Ahmed Hassan Adan, Minister of Fisheries & Blue Economy, Somalia
  • H.E. Kitiona Tausi, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Fisheries and Trade, Tuvalu
  • Ögmundur Knútsson, Director General, Directorate of Fisheries, Iceland
  • H.E. Charlotte Daffe, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Republic of Guinea (virtual; pre-recorded)
  • H.E. Milciades Concepción, Ministry of the Environment, Panama (virtual: pre-recorded)
  • H.E. Mairi Gougeon, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Scotland (virtual: pre-recorded)
  • H.E. Jean-Francois Ferrari, Minister of Fisheries & Blue Economy, Seychelles (virtual; pre-recorded)
  • Ponlaboot Alongkorn, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Thailand (virtual; pre-recorded)

11:45-12:45 CET

Deep dive:
Governance and space technology in support of SDG 14 & SDG 16

Auditorium 3

Moderator:

  • Anna-Katharina Hornidge, Director, German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)
 

Speakers:

  • Christian Hauglie-Hanssen, Director, Norwegian Space Agency
  • Arvinn Gadgil, Director, UNDP Oslo Governance Center

12:45-13:00 CET

Lunch

Atlantic Lounge

13:00-14:30 CET

Side Events

Rooms adjacent to Atlantic Lounge

Side Events:

  • Blue Enforcement Project (UNODC) “Understanding gender roles in tackling crimes in the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka and Maldives”
  • Blue Fairness Project (ILO/UNODC/IOM) “Using data to inform policies to combat trafficking for forced labour in fishing”

13:45-14:30 CET

Country insights:
Session 3

Auditorium 3

Moderator:

  • Elisabeth Gabrielsen, Director General, Fisheries Department, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, Norway

 

Remarks by:

  • H.E. Jullan Defoe, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Blue & Green Economy, Commonwealth of Dominica

  • Justin Rennie, on behalf of Minister of  Agriculture & Lands, Fisheries & Cooperatives, Grenada

  • H.E. Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Jamaica

  • H.E. Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, St. Kitts & Nevis

  • Adriel Castaneda, on behalf of Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, Belize (virtual)

  • Juan Santibáñez Busto, on behalf of Undersecretary, Ministry of Fisheries & Aquaculture, Chile (virtual)

  • H.E. Andrés Arens Hidalgo, Vice Minister of Fisheries, Ecuador (virtual)

  • H.E. Saboto S. Caesar, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, Rural Transformation, Industry & Labour, St Vincent + the Grenadines (virtual) 

  • H.E. Avinash Singh. Minister in the Ministry of Agriculture Land and Fisheries, Trinidad and Tobago (virtual)

  • H.E. Josephine Olivia Connolly, Minister of Fisheries, Turks & Caicos (virtual)

  • H.E. Adrian Forde, Minister of the Environment and National Beautification, Barbados (virtual; pre-recorded)

  • H.E. Parmanand Sewdien, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry & Fisheries, Suriname (virtual; pre-recorded)

  • H.E. Fernando Mattos Costa, Minister of Livestock, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Uruguay (virtual; pre-recorded)

14:30 – 15:25 CET

Closing of the High Level session

Remarks by:

  • Blue Justice Initiative Secretariat, Norway

15:25-15:30 CET

Launch: Blue Justice Caribbean Hub

Auditorium 3
Speakers:
  • Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer, National Fisheries Authority, Jamaica
  • Ava Whyte-Anderson, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Multi Country Office in Jamaica
  • Peter A Murray, Senior Advisor, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) Secretariat
  • Unni Kløvstad, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway
  • H.E. Pearnel Charles Jr, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, Jamaica
  • Emma Witbooi, Project Manager UNDP Blue Resilience, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

15:30-16:30 CET

Reception & Signing Ceremony

Atlantic Lounge

Moderator:

  • Gunnar A. Stølsvik, Blue Justice Secretariat, Norway

 

Speakers:

  • Ulrika Modéer, Assistant Secretary-General and Director of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
  • H.E Tiawau Ribanataake, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Development, Kiribati
  • Karen Ellemann, Secretary General, Nordic Council of Ministers

16:50-19:00 CET

Day 2: Blue Justice Action Forum

24 March (By invitation only)

Kindly contact the organisers for any questions you may have about the Blue Justice Action Forum.

Registration

Outside Auditorium 1

8:30-9:00 CET

Forum Session 1

Auditorium 3

9:00-10:00 CET

Atlantic Lounge Breakout Rooms

10:00-10:30 CET

Coffee break

Atlantic Lounge

10:30-11:00 CET

Forum Session 2

Auditorium 3

11:00– 12:00 CET

Atlantic Lounge Breakout Rooms

12:00-12:30

Lunch

Atlantic Lounge

12:30 – 13:30 CET

Forum Session 3

Auditorium 3

13:30 – 14:30 CET

Atlantic Lounge Breakout Rooms

14:30-15:00

Coffee break

Atlantic Lounge

15:00 – 15:20 CET

Forum Session 4

Auditorium 3

15:20-15:45 CET

Closing

Auditorium 3

15:45-16:00 CET

Register Now

Join us at this exciting international gathering!

Please note: In person Registration for the Blue Justice Conference 2023 is closed, you can still register to attend the conference virtually.

For further information contact UNDP Blue Resilience

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The Blue Justice Conference 2023 is hosted in cooperation with:

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