TOKYO, 4 June 2026 – Counselor Celio Moniz of the Embassy of Timor-Leste to Japan attended the Closing Ceremony of the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo. The high-level forum served as a platform to advance dialogue and cooperation on ocean governance, marine conservation, and sustainable resource management among island and coastal states.
The two-day summit addressed critical challenges threatening coastal communities, including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, marine pollution from oil spills and industrial waste, plastic debris, and Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing. Delegates underscored that safeguarding marine ecosystems is closely linked to the livelihoods and socio-economic resilience of vulnerable island nations.
Participants emphasized the implementation of international legal frameworks under the United Nations auspices, ecosystem-based management, and sustainable tourism. The discussions also highlighted the importance of gender-responsive approaches and the active inclusion of local communities, youth, and civil society in marine resource management.
The summit concluded with remarks from the President of Palau, H.E. Surangel S. Whipps, Jr.; Director-General for Global Issues at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Ryo Nakamura; Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO, Mr. Vidar Helgesen; and Honorary Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Mr. Yohei Sasakawa. Notably, The Nippon Foundation announced a US$100 million commitment over the next decade to support the Ocean States Initiative.
The Embassy's participation reflects Timor-Leste's ongoing commitment to international cooperation and collaborative action for a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive ocean future.
