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Update From Chair of the CTI-CFF Council Of Ministers
Y.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili, J.P.
Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Malaysia
April 16, 2013

Warmest greetings!

It is a great honour to serve as the Chair of the CTI-CFF Council of Ministers (CTI-COM) since November 20, 2011, following the decision made in the 3rd Ministerial Meeting (MM3) in Jakarta. I take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt thanks to His Excellencies CT Ministers, Senior Officials, NCC Focal Points, Representatives, the CTI Interim Regional Secretariat (IRS), and the Development Partners for their unwavering support. Your willingness to go the extra mile together, despite the obstacles we faced, clearly reflects a true partnership among CTI members.

2012 In Review

Undeniably, there were significant milestones achieved over the past twelve months. In January 2012, I met the IRS in Jakarta and was briefed on the progress toward the establishment of the Permanent Regional Secretariat as well as preparation for implementation of the 2012 CTI-CFF Roadmap.

The former CTI-COM Chairman, Indonesia’s Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, H.E. Sharif Cicip Sutardjo, and I discussed the way forward for CTI, including future challenges and the transition plan for the establishment of the Regional Secretariat office in Manado. During the discussion, I also announced Malaysia’s commitment to sign the establishment document.

I would like to thank the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for inviting me to deliver the keynote address during the plenary session at the 1st CTI High-Level Financial Roundtable (HLFRT) held on May 3, 2012, in Manila. Member Countries and Development Partners pledged to continue supporting and investing in the CTI-CFF’s regional and national plans of action.

The establishment of a Business Council proposed by Malaysia, earlier endorsed at MM3, aims to address member countries’ need for public-private partnerships in sustainable marine resource development.

Prior to HLFRT, a meeting with the IRS updated progress on the Permanent Regional Secretariat. A courtesy visit by H.E. Mr. Ramon Jesus P. Paje, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, allowed further discussion on joint conservation of migratory species, especially at the Turtle Islands.

June 9, 2012, marked the first Coral Triangle Day celebrated simultaneously across the region, successfully generating greater public interest and awareness on coastal and marine issues. I look forward to the continued celebration of CT Day as a tribute to our shared responsibilities in managing our ocean.

Indonesia hosted a high-level CTI event at Rio+20 in Brazil on June 21, 2012, showcasing CT achievements and promoting CTI’s role in sustainable development, including approaches like the Blue Economy.

In September 2012, I hosted the first-ever dialogue session with the IRS and Development Partners (Australia, USAID, ADB, WWF Malaysia) during the launch of the Tun Mustapha Marine Park Scientific Expedition in Kudat, Malaysia, to ensure implementation of the CTI-CFF Regional and National Plans of Action and review progress on the Permanent Regional Secretariat.

In the third quarter of 2012, Indonesia’s President H.E. Dr. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono received the first-ever “Valuing Nature Award” for leadership in establishing CTI. On behalf of CTI-CFF, I warmly congratulate His Excellency for this global recognition.

The 8th Senior Officials Meeting (SOM8) and 4th Ministerial Meeting (MM4) held in Putrajaya in November 2012 achieved tremendous progress, including the signing of the Agreement on the CTI-CFF Permanent Regional Secretariat Establishment by three CT countries. This enabled the agreement to “Enter into Force.”

The MM4 also saw the signing of the Putrajaya Joint Ministerial Statement (JMS), reaffirming commitment to expedite national processes for signing and ratification of the Permanent Regional Secretariat Agreement. Malaysia has ratified and deposited the instrument of ratification to Indonesia. As Chair of CTI-COM, I urge other member countries to accelerate the signing and ratification process, ideally by mid-2013.

Our Way Forward

Key events in 2013 include the inauguration of the CTI-CFF Center in Manado, the 3rd CTI Regional Business Forum, and the 1st Coral Triangle Business Council Meeting in Bali, Indonesia. Malaysia will celebrate Coral Triangle Day in conjunction with World Oceans Week, including CTI Awareness Programs, CTI Oceans Conference, exhibitions, seminars, and joint programs with local NGOs, industries, and universities. We hope CT Day will be more widely celebrated across the CT6 region.

The IRS has arranged for the CTI-CFF Regional Secretariat to receive financial contributions via an official account. I am confident the IRS will continue facilitating commitments and efforts of CT6 countries toward achieving other milestones and transitioning to the Regional Secretariat.

I believe the CTI-CFF Roadmap and Calendar of Activities for 2013 will be implemented timely, and all CTI-CFF Working Groups will continue contributing to our work. The challenges we face are surmountable if we work together toward our common goals.

Looking back, significant progress includes the signing of the Permanent Regional Secretariat Agreement by multiple countries. This journey of collaboration will continue with enthusiasm, commitment, and shared vision.

I extend sincere appreciation to the Right Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, His Excellencies CT Ministers, Senior Officials, NCC Focal Points, Representatives, and the IRS for their guidance, effort, and support. I also thank the Development Partners—Australia, USAID, ADB, GEF, Conservation International, The Nature Conservancy, and WWF—for their invaluable ongoing support.

Let us continue to value our efforts, move forward step by step, and safeguard the region’s marine and coastal resources together. I look forward to another productive year ahead in 2013.

Thank you.

Photo Caption: CTI-CFF Council Of Ministers Chair Y.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili at the 4th CTI Ministerial Meeting in Putrajaya, November 2012

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