Tazeen Akhtar | Islamabad | Pakistan
Parliamentarians for Global Action PGA’s 46th Annual Forum and 4th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians for the Oceans (CAP-Oceans) was held in Mexico City bringing together legislators from more than 30 countries on 26 –27 March 2026.
The two-day Forum was attended by members of parliament alongside experts, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders from across the globe to advance a shared agenda centered on ocean governance and human rights, and to foster greater cooperation among both international and domestic legislative leaders.
Addressing the inaugural session, Mr. Syed Naveed Qamar, member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and President of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), emphasized the importance of training legislators to meet the challenges of implementing and managing tools for continuous improvement.
Mexican authorities highlighted the importence of an “International Program for Oceans Environmental Restoration,” which includes the establishment of protected marine areas in the high seas and the development of financial regulations for international governance.
The leaders emphasized the need for enhanced parliamentary cooperation to tackle pressing global ocean challenges, including climate change, marine pollution, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
Mexico is 61% marine – the ocean area is greater than continental area. We have a new national strategy for the conservation of the coastline to eliminate all plastics from coastline by 2030.
PGA’s Annual Forum is designed as a genuinely multi-party space, bringing together legislators of diverse political perspectives. This inclusivity is vital to ensuring that effective ocean governance by building consensus across divides.
Excerpts from the speeches of some participants ;
Ms Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, MP (Greece), Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean: “Parliamentarians can help lead ocean governance if we have passion, scientific knowledge and funding.”
Mr. Bamidele Salam, (Nigeria): For the 1st time since the 60s, Nigeria has developed a Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy. I plan to work with PGA members in Nigeria to put in place the legal structure to create MPAs and to ensure their enforcement.
Ms Millie Odhiambo, MP (Kenya) – We expect parliamentarians – especially members of PGA – to take concrete action to ratify the High Seas Treaty. For MPs from countries that have already ratified, MPs must take action to domesticate the treaty.
Ms Tina Browne, MP (Cook Islands): “Protecting the rights of women in fisheries is not a side issue. It is central to stronger communities and sustainable oceans.”
Ms Valerie Woods, Speaker of National Assembly (Belize): “PGA allows us to advocate and build cross-party support, sharing legal tools and policy frameworks to turn international agreements like the High Seas Treaty into national law.“
Sir Iakoba Taeia Italeli, MP (Tuvalu), Speaker of the Parliament of Tuvalu: “Our ocean is under threat. BBNJ [the High Seas Treaty] is the most important hope for the ocean we have seen. We should all ratify this agreement as soon as possible.”
Dip. Kattia Cambronero Aguiluz (Costa Rica): “We are not discussing a romantic vision of the ocean, we are talking about livelihoods…There is no more social justice than preserving our ocean. Without ocean there is no life.”
Dip. Jorge Calix (Honduras): “When we talk about the ocean, we must set aside our partisan differences to protect the ocean. We must write laws that create incentives for our citizens to protect the ocean. We are here not to talk, but to fight to protect our ocean.”
Championing International Cooperation in a Challenging Moment
The Annual Forum and CAP-Oceans gathering brought together legislators from Africa, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Asia — all committed to the principle that shared challenges require shared solutions. It convened in parallel with the third and final Preparatory Commission for the development of the UN High Seas Treaty (PreCom3) gathering at the UN Headquarters in New York where countries are working to establish clear recommendations for the Treaty’s entry into force in advance of the Treaty’s first Conference of the Parties (COP1).
The Annual Forum, CAP-Oceans, and PrepCom3 convenings taken together represent a timely opportunity for action through exactly the kind of multilateral, multi-party dialogue the moment demands, underscoring the connection between ocean protection, international cooperation, and the important role that legislators play in delivering decisive these actions for a more sustainable future.
A Global, Multi-Party Space for Ocean Action
The CAP-Oceans is a leading international gathering of legislators focused on protecting the world’s oceans. This year’s gathering will center on the effective implementation of marine protected areas (MPAs) as a tool for robust ocean governance in both national waters and in the high seas through the landmark UN High Seas Treaty.
Discussions reinforced the protection of 30 percent of the ocean by 2030 (known as the 30×30 goal) as established in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. Participants shared regional experiences on MPA creation and co-management, including from the Americas and the Gulf of Guinea, and explore pathways for multilateral cooperation on the High Seas Treaty.
Parliamentarians for Global Action has been a consistent champion of the High Seas Treaty since its historic adoption in 2023. With the Treaty’s January 2026 entry into force, parliamentarians hold an even more indispensable role in its effective implementation — translating global commitments into domestic law, building the political will required for action, and ensuring that ocean governance reflects the rights and livelihoods of the communities who depend on the ocean.
Honoring a Defender of Democracy
In conjunction with the Annual Forum, PGA presented its annual Defender of Democracy Award at a ceremony on Thursday, 26 March to Jonathan Mesulam of Papua New Guinea. Mesulam is founder and coordinator of the West Coast Development Foundation, a local Papua New Guinea NGO working with communities addressing issues relating to climate change and conservation of their local environments.
Oceans and Environment – Threat of Plastic Waste -by- Adam M. Tugio
Syed Naveed Qamar Re-elected Unopposed as President of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA)
At a recent International Council meeting, Syed Naveed Qamar has been re-elected unopposed as President of the Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) for another two-year term. His unanimous re-election reflects the strong confidence and trust placed in his leadership by fellow parliamentarians from across the world.
During his tenure, he has played a vital role in advancing the mission of the organization, promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law globally. His continued leadership is expected to further strengthen international cooperation among legislators and drive meaningful progress on key global issues.
This achievement marks a proud moment for Pakistan, underscoring its growing prominence in international parliamentary diplomacy.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq felicitated MNA Syed Naveed Qamar on his unopposed re-election.
He said that Syed Naveed Qamar’s consecutive election to lead the international parliamentary forum reflected the strong confidence of global parliamentarians in his leadership.
He said that Syed Naveed Qamar is a seasoned and experienced parliamentarian who had played a key role in advancing the objectives of the organisation during his tenure. He also acknowledged his contributions towards the promotion of human rights, democracy and the rule of law.
Speaker National Assembly expressed confidence that under Syed Naveed Qamar’s continued leadership, the forum would further strengthen global parliamentary cooperation and accelerate progress on key international issues.
He said Syed Naveed Qamar’s re-election was a matter of pride for Pakistan and a reflection of the country’s effective and constructive role in parliamentary diplomacy at the international level.
