His Eminence Peter Cardinal Turkson, Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and Head of the Delegation of the Holy See to the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Conserve and Sustainably Use the Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources for Sustainable Development," taking place at UN Headquarters in New York, prepared an intervention for the fifth Partnership Dialogue of the Conference on June 7, dedicated to “Increasing economic benefits to small islands developing States and least developed countries and providing access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets.” Due to the time constraints, the statement of the Holy See and of many other States were not able to be delivered, but were submitted in writing.

In his intervention, Cardinal Turkson emphasized three points concerning the economic benefits from ocean-related businesses to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and Least Development Countries (LDCs). First, these businesses should be considered micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Second, regional cooperation is key to giving them greater market clout and access to financing. Third, the human dimension, especially steady employment, must be prioritized. Economic growth within SIDS and LDCs will flow from development and business models that harness the talents of their people and that feature universal solidarity, he said.

His statement can be found here.