Peace Boat US UN engagements in 2025 unfolded across a series of major United Nations and multilateral convenings, reflecting an expanding role for civil society actors operating within formal ocean, climate, and peace processes.
Over the course of the year, Peace Boat US participated in UN conferences, diplomatic forums, and policy-facing events in Europe, North America, and Latin America, linking ocean governance, climate action, disarmament, and youth leadership within established multilateral frameworks.
Ocean governance and SDG 14 at the UN Ocean Conference
In June, Peace Boat US took part in the United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, held from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France. During the conference, the organisation convened and contributed to multiple events with government, United Nations, and civil society partners, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
The engagements formed part of broader efforts to elevate ocean sustainability within international policy discussions, as countries assess progress toward SDG 14 and related commitments under the UN system.
Peace, disarmament, and youth voices in New York
Later in June, Peace Boat US docked in New York City for a two-day event titled “Time for Peace: For Future Generations,” held at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs and the Nobel Peace Center.
The programme featured testimony from nuclear survivors, youth perspectives, expert dialogue, and artistic advocacy. An outreach edition of the Nobel Peace Prize Exhibition, “A Message to Humanity,” was presented onboard the ship. The event aligned with Peace Boat’s long-standing engagement on nuclear disarmament while placing emphasis on intergenerational dialogue and youth participation.
Climate Week NYC and ocean–climate integration
During Climate Week NYC in September, Peace Boat US joined government representatives, researchers, island leaders, private sector actors, and youth advocates to advance discussion on the role of oceans within climate governance.
Activities included a high-level luncheon titled “From UNOC to Belém,” which examined how ocean-based action could be more effectively integrated into UNFCCC processes ahead of COP30, with attention to the experiences of Small Island Developing States, Indigenous peoples, and coastal communities. Additional engagements included the Future of Living Systems Summit and Climate Impact Talks, co-organised with Blue Planet Alliance.
Blue innovation and COP30 participation
In October, Peace Boat US hosted a Blue Innovation Reception at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, convening participants from diplomacy, philanthropy, and the blue economy to exchange perspectives on ocean solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. The event featured presentations on the Ecoship initiative and Youth for the SDGs programmes linked to the UN Ocean Decade.
Peace Boat US concluded the year with participation at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, where it engaged in panels, partnerships, and advocacy activities. The organisation highlighted connections between ocean health, climate justice, peace, and the leadership of frontline communities, including Indigenous and island populations.
Looking ahead to 2026 youth programming
While 2025 activity formed the core of the year’s engagement, Peace Boat US also announced a Youth for the SDGs Latin America voyage scheduled for June 15 to July 1, 2026. The programme, an endorsed contribution to the UN Ocean Decade, will take place onboard Peace Boat’s 123rd Global Voyage, traveling from Panama to Guatemala and Mexico.
The initiative will focus on climate impacts and ocean conservation through field visits, expert exchanges, and youth-led projects, with scholarships aimed at supporting participation by young leaders from climate-vulnerable communities. Registration is open until March 1, 2026.
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