MSC Signs the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles
As announced by the United Nations Global Compact at the UN Ocean Conference held this week in Lisbon, Portugal, MSC has joined over 150 stakeholders in signing on to the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles.
MSC said that the company has long supported and supplemented the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact on human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption, across its operations.
The Sustainable Ocean Principles provide a framework for responsible business practices across ocean sectors and geographies covering ocean health and productivity, governance and engagement and data and transparency, MSC stated.
The world depends on a healthy, productive and resilient ocean for food security, climate mitigation and economic livelihoods. Climate change, overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable and inequitable development are damaging the health of the ocean and seas.
A collaborative approach to healthy oceans
As a world leader engaged in the shipping and logistics sector, MSC recognises the collective responsibility of companies to assess their impact on the ocean, protect ocean health and take action on ocean sustainability, which for the company is a strategic imperative and business priority.
Stefania Lallai, Vice President Sustainability of MSC's Cargo Division, said, “Oceans play a vital role in the health of our blue planet, producing half of the world’s oxygen as well as regulating our climate.
"By signing the Sustainable Ocean Principles, we are joining with other blue economy companies to help build a sustainable blue economy.”
As a member of the UNGC Ocean Stewardship Coalition and the Maritime Just Transition Task Force, MSC believes in working with a variety of partners to make an impact beyond its own operations.
These collaborative platforms form part of MSC’s Sustainability Roadmap in response to the evolving landscape and efforts to address the complex set of global challenges the world faces today, leveraging strategic alliances across maritime ecosystem to protect & restore the health of oceans.
Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the United Nations Global Compact, said, “This commitment by 150 blue economy companies shows the private sector’s willingness to support SDG 14.
"Healthy and productive oceans rely on all actors to do their part. I am encouraged that these companies are committed to integrating ocean health into their corporate strategies.”
The UN Ocean Conference and UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030) serve as ongoing reminders of the importance of the maritime industry’s role in the health of our oceans and enabling resilient and sustainable supply chains.
