Malawi’s Vice President, Dr Michael Bizwick Usi, has departed Tangier, Morocco, for Baku, Azerbaijan, following his participation in the African Consultation meeting in preparation for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference.
Dr Usi arrived in Morocco on 8 October 2024 to attend the high-level meeting held at the Hilton Hotel, Tangier.
The consultation brought together leaders from across the continent to discuss the sustainable use of ocean resources and set the stage for the upcoming global ocean conference in June 2025.
Speaking after the meeting on 9 October 2024, Dr Usi underscored the need for scientific research and policy development to guide the sustainable management of ocean and water resources.
“Essentially, we are focusing on life beneath the oceans, which must be conserved and used sustainably to foster development. But to achieve this, we need research to inform policies that will guide the management of our fisheries department,” he said.
The Vice President further highlighted Malawi’s unique position as a landlinked country with significant water resources.
“Malawi holds 20 percent of the world’s freshwater body in Lake Malawi. This is an asset for Malawi, but it is also beneficial for other countries. We have over 1,000 species of fish in Lake Malawi, including the unique cichlids. This is a source of pride for Malawi,” said Dr Usi, stressing the importance of showcasing Malawi’s water resources on the global stage.
In an interview after meeting Moroccan Government officials, Dr Usi lauded the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Malawi and Morocco. He emphasised the need to implement the Joint Commissions of Cooperation signed between the two countries, particularly in areas of education, trade, and agriculture.
“We have established these agreements, but what remains is for us to implement them. We are setting up task forces to roll out the Joint Commissions of Cooperation,” said Dr Usi.
Before departing Morocco on 10 October 2024 via Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport, Dr Usi reaffirmed Malawi’s commitment to international cooperation on ocean conservation. He expressed optimism about Malawi’s participation in future high-level discussions, particularly at the Pre-COP meeting in Baku.
“Malawi must be part of deliberations of this kind, so that we can learn from others, and they can learn from us,” he concluded.
The delegation to the African Consultation Meeting highlighted Malawi’s participation as a clear demonstration of the country’s proactive stance on environmental sustainability and international cooperation, particularly in the lead-up to critical global conferences on climate and ocean governance.
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