A symposium titled, “Commencing the UN Decade of Ocean Science: Towards Co-Design” was held on February 25, 2021, to kick off the UN Decade of Ocean Science in Japan. This article is the Japanese translation of the video message that Vladimir Ryabinin, Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO, provided for the symposium.

The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development has begun. In Japan as well, a national committee has been launched as a platform for all interested parties to collaborate in realizing a clean, healthy, productive, predictable, safe, accessible ocean, and most of all, an ocean which brings hope and inspiration into our everyday lives.
Selected Papers No.27(p.16)

Sustainability has been required in a variety of situations, and has now become the focus of a high level of awareness in society. Even in ocean policy, with its broad spatial focus, it’s important to have the perspective of sustainability regarding its effects over time. For sustainability, much like in romantic and familial relationships, it’s necessary for countries, as partners, to share common values and also understand their differences in forming a planet-wide partnership.