The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) will take place from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. Under the overarching theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference marks a pivotal global milestone in the protection of marine ecosystems and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
This high-level convening will bring together heads of state, policymakers, scientists, Indigenous communities, youth leaders, private sector representatives, and civil society to accelerate commitments and innovation for a sustainable ocean future.
Key Features of UNOC2025
Theme: Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors for ocean conservation.
Structure: Opening and closing plenaries, ten general plenary sessions, and ten interactive Ocean Action Panels.
Outcome: A negotiated political declaration titled the Nice Ocean Action Plan, along with a publicly accessible registry of voluntary commitments.
Leadership: UN Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua (Department of Economic and Social Affairs) serves as Secretary-General of the conference.
Priority Themes
UNOC2025 is structured around several urgent and interlinked global ocean priorities:
1. Strengthening Multilateral Ocean Governance
Accelerating the ratification and implementation of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ).
Integrating efforts with frameworks such as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
2. Mobilizing Blue Finance
Scaling financial mechanisms to support marine conservation and sustainable ocean economies.
Advancing investment opportunities for ocean-based climate and biodiversity solutions.
3. Advancing Ocean Science and Knowledge
Strengthening the science-policy interface through the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Promoting open access to marine data, technology transfer, and inclusive scientific capacity-building.
4. Addressing the Ocean–Climate–Biodiversity Nexus
Expanding marine protected areas and restoring critical ocean ecosystems.
Promoting ocean-based solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation.
5. Combating Marine Pollution
Coordinated global efforts to reduce land-based sources of marine pollution, especially plastic waste and chemical runoff.
6. Ensuring Sustainable Fisheries and Ocean Equity
Supporting small-scale fishers and Indigenous communities.
Enhancing equity in access to marine resources and decision-making.
Featured Global Initiatives
Nice Ocean Action Plan: The political outcome document providing a roadmap for collective ocean action.
Ocean Accounts Pledge: A Costa Rica-led initiative promoting integrated national ocean accounting.
Let’s Be Nice to the Ocean Campaign: A public engagement campaign led by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Tara Ocean, and others.
One Ocean Science Congress (4–6 June): A pre-conference gathering of global marine scientists delivering evidence-based insights into the policy process.
Special Highlight: EMAM Organization for Development and Culture
In alignment with the UNOC2025 agenda, EMAM Organization will host a dedicated virtual event:
Title: AI for Ocean Conservation
Date: 11 June 2025
Format: Virtual panel discussion and interactive dialogue
Objective: Exploring how artificial intelligence can support ocean monitoring, enhance marine biodiversity protection, and improve predictive models for ocean health and climate resilience.
This event will feature contributions from marine scientists, AI researchers, environmental advocates, and youth leaders, and will contribute to the broader dialogue on innovation and inclusivity within the ocean governance space.
High-Level Participation
UNOC2025 is expected to welcome:
Heads of State and Government, including Emmanuel Macron, Rodrigo Chaves, and António Guterres.
Distinguished royal environmental champions such as Prince Albert II of Monaco, Prince William, and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden.
Delegates from UN agencies, research institutions, foundations, Indigenous groups, and youth-led organizations.
Key Challenges and Strategic Tensions
While the conference is designed to foster cooperation, several challenges are anticipated:
Deep-Sea Mining: Debates around a global moratorium continue amid ecological concerns and calls for precautionary approaches.
Ocean Equity: Developing nations are advocating for fair financing, technology access, and capacity-building support.
Implementation Gaps: Persistent delays in treaty ratifications and limited progress on SDG14 targets raise concerns about political will and follow-through.
Related Events and Engagement Opportunities
One Ocean Science Congress (4–6 June): Knowledge exchange and science-policy integration.
Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit (7 June): Regional leadership on climate adaptation.
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (7–8 June, Monaco): Investment-focused discussions on sustainable ocean industries.
World Oceans Day (8 June): Global celebration themed “Wonder”.
EMAM Virtual Event on AI and Ocean Conservation (11 June): Technology and youth-led solutions.
Conference Zones
Blue Zone: Official venue for accredited delegates and negotiations.
Green Zone: Open space for civil society, youth, Indigenous voices, and innovation showcases.
Conclusion
UNOC2025 represents a defining moment in the global response to ocean degradation, biodiversity loss, and climate disruption. The outcomes of this conference will set the trajectory for marine policy, finance, innovation, and community action for years to come.
To stay engaged, learn more, or register your participation, visit the official UN site: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2025