CBD COP16: Carla Lumba, UNCDF/GFCR Youth Representative #ForCoral Ocean Day Speech

During the CBD COP16 official Ocean Day agenda segment, Synergies and Partnerships for Impact: Uniting for the Ocean – Accelerating Action for Biodiversity Goals, Carla Lumba, Youth Representative of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), hosted by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), delivered a compelling address on the urgency of safeguarding the ocean. Speaking from her perspective as a young advocate from the Philippines, Carla highlighted the profound impact of climate change on communities whose lives are closely tied to the ocean, stating, "Every minute we delay is a life forever changed." She called for an “economic ethos that nurtures a sustainable blue economy and delivers tangible impact,” adding that while the challenges are vast, they are surmountable through unified action across sectors, cultures, and generations. Reflecting on her experiences working with GFCR and UNCDF, she emphasized the power of a "whole-of-society approach," integrating private sector expertise and market-driven enterprises with the stewardship of conservation leaders. Urging leaders and policymakers to intensify their commitments, Carla also underscored the readiness of the global youth community to take decisive action toward a resilient blue economy. Her remarks served as a powerful call to align conservation efforts with substantive, scalable impact, higlighting the pivotal role of youth leadership in shaping a sustainable path for ocean resilience.