Fiji, Feb. 5 -- Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni has urged the region to take the lead in shaping global ocean governance, warning that the Pacific cannot afford to lose momentum ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France later this year.

Speaking at the opening of the UNOC3 Technical Meeting on Tuesday, Dr Manoni highlighted the importance of ensuring the Pacific's voice is heard loud and clear at the global level, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) on ocean conservation and sustainable use.

"The UN Ocean Conference is a crucial process for the ocean and SDG14. Imagine if this process didn't exist - the ocean would be reduced to just another agenda item at mainstream confer...