UPF UK: The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021 - 2030)

Guardians of the Blue Planet: Universal Peace Federation on the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science (2021 - 2030)

The ocean is Earth’s most ancient foundation of life. Covering over two-thirds of the planet, it shapes climates, economies, and cultures, yet remains vulnerable to human neglect. The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021 - 2030) calls on all nations to unite knowledge, technology, and community action to restore balance between humanity and the sea.

Long before this Decade began, the founders of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) viewed the ocean as a space of shared responsibility and public service. In the 1980s, Dr. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han initiated a far-reaching maritime program that included the construction of modern vessels, marine research platforms, and food technology applications. One notable aspect of these early efforts was the Antarctic krill initiative, which explored the sustainable harvesting and processing of krill as a potential nutrient-rich resource to address global food security challenges. Through investments in factory ships and processing technologies, this project sought to blend scientific research with ethical stewardship,

advocating for multinational partnerships to protect polar ecosystems. Such endeavors reflect a forward- thinking commitment to ocean science that resonates with the principles of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, underscoring the enduring value of innovative, collaborative approaches to marine sustainability.

This legacy continues to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 14 “Life Below Water.” By promoting awareness of the ocean’s role in sustaining life, and encouraging responsible marine practices, UPF contributes to the broader global agenda for ecosystem stewardship. The Universal Peace Federation commends the work of the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Ocean Decade Alliance, and multilateral research coalitions that now explore marine- based solutions for equitable and climate-resilient development. Initiatives such as the Blue Food Partnership and the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy confirm that shared innovation can help bridge global gaps in sustainability and ecological protection.

“Two-thirds of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. That means two-thirds of the resources needed for humankind’s future are contained in the seas. Humanity’s new era depends on the ocean,” - UPF Founders.

As the Ocean Decade advances, the Universal Peace Federation calls for continued cooperation between research institutions, civil society, and development actors to explore the ocean not only as a natural asset but as a channel for solidarity. Let us support practical, science-based solutions that uphold the dignity of all people and safeguard the future of our planet.

Dr. Tageldin Hamad, President, Universal Peace Federation

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