Oceanus

December 04 2020

Opinion article

“My country is what the sea does not want!”- Ruy Belo

Oceanus

 

In her immense adoration and enchantment by the sea, Sophia de Mello Breyner described her soul as salt air and stated that, when she died, she would return to seek all the moments she had not lived by the sea. Over time, all the poets sang the sea, our sea, deeply Portuguese, which now brings us sustenance, work, adventure, joys and glory, sometimes it crushes us with suffering and death. For the Portuguese, the sea is the extension of the land. Ruy Belo once said: “My country is what the sea does not want!”. Definitely, the sea served as a backdrop for many great civilizations and enriched Western literature, right from the start with the Odyssey, archetype of all maritime epics.

Unfortunately, in recent decades, the oceans have suffered profound aggressions that jeopardize their biodiversity and, consequently, their sustainable development. Every year, we introduce about eight million tons of plastic waste into the ocean, and excess carbon dioxide acidifies the waters, helping to destroy coral reefs. The warming of the atmosphere can also lead to an increase in the average water temperature and the disappearance of several species of fish. These threats, and many others, that affect this immense ecosystem, led the United Nations, in 2017, to declare The Ocean Science Decade 2021 - 2030. Under the motto: The science we need for the ocean we want, the overriding objective it is to mobilize the scientific community, legislators, companies and civil society for a program of joint research and technological innovation.

CLIP, as Escola Unesco and Escola Azul, will initiate and continue different projects, promoting several activities that will have as a backdrop the sea / oceans that we all want to know better and, above all, take care of.
Ambitious, don't you think? Let's dive in, then!

                                                                     

                                                                              Isabel Sousa

                                                                              Coordenadora do Projeto Unesco

Oceanus

Last news

February 16 2026
OPOMUN 2026 - Debate Overview
  OPOMUN 2026 brought together a diverse group of young delegates united by a shared commitment to diplomacy, collaboration, and global problem‑solving. Over three days, students engaged in thoughtful debate on humanitarian crises, climate security, economic development, disarmament, public health, and international governance. This extended overview provides a comprehensive narrative suitable for publication on the school website, highlighting key themes and including select quotes from official resolutions.   The conference stood out for the depth, ambition, and global awareness demonstrated by its delegates. Despite the range of issues addressed, the conference revealed a shared vision: protecting civilians, strengthening global systems, promoting sustainability, and cooperating across borders. The students showcased diplomacy, leadership, and critical thinking — qualities that reflect the school’s values and the potential of a generation ready to shape the world.   HUMANITARIAN PRIORITIES Across all committees, a strong humanitarian focus shaped the debates. Delegates consistently highlighted the need to protect civilians and guarantee access to essential aid. As stated in a Security Council resolution, “Ensuring immediate, safe, timely, and unimpeded access for humanitarian personnel and aid deliveries…” In the Human Rights Council, the urgency of safeguarding vulnerable populations was echoed: “the establishment of UN‑coordinated humanitarian corridors… to ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance”. These discussions underscored the delegates' recognition that humanitarian protection is central to international peace and security.   STRENGTHENING GLOBAL GOVERNANCE Delegates also demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the importance of transparency and accountability in global institutions. Anti‑corruption measures and institutional reform featured prominently. One resolution called for “Deploying UN‑backed forensic financial investigators to trace stolen assets abroad” Efforts to support more effective multilateral systems were present in multiple committees, showing that students recognise the need for trustworthy, well‑governed institutions.   CLIMATE CHANGE, AGRICULTURE, AND SECURITY With climate change increasingly linked to global insecurity, delegates integrated environmental concerns across many topics. An ECOSOC proposal introduced a major initiative, the “Global Farmer Safeguard and Adaptation Policy”, aimed at supporting food security, protecting farmers from climate-induced risks, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The connection between climate and instability was also raised in discussions on displacement, resource scarcity, and long‑term resilience.   INTERNATIONAL HEALTH PREPAREDNESS The WHO committees addressed both antimicrobial resistance and emergency preparedness. Delegates stressed the fragility of global health systems and emphasised the need for investment in infrastructure and crisis‑response capabilities. One resolution stated “strengthen hospital infrastructure, emergency care units, and mobile medical facilities… during pandemics, natural disasters, and armed conflicts” This future‑minded perspective highlighted students’ awareness of global interdependence and the lessons learned from recent public‑health emergencies.   TECHNOLOGY, SECURITY, AND INTERNATIONAL LAW Emerging technologies were a key theme, especially in disarmament. DISEC delegates focused on regulating drones, calling for “the establishment of the Automated Aerial Systems Monitoring Centre… to track registered commercial drones”. Their proposals demonstrated an understanding of the challenges posed by modern technologies when misused by non‑state actors.   TRANSNATIONAL CRIME AND ARMS CONTROL Across UNODC committees, delegates addressed threats posed by organised crime and illicit weapons flows. One resolution proposed “the establishment of Joint Maritime Task Forces… to monitor and intercept vessels suspected of violating international arms embargoes”. By focusing on international cooperation, financial transparency, and improved border management, students showed maturity in tackling complex global security issues.