Key Impact Points:
- The third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) aims to finalize a “Nice Action Plan for the Ocean” to halt ecosystem collapse.
- More than 50 world leaders and 1,500 delegates from nearly 200 countries are expected to attend.
- France and Costa Rica will co-lead efforts to turn the conference into a global milestone akin to the Paris Agreement—this time, for oceans.
UNOC 3 Targets Ocean Crisis with Urgent Action
The United Nations will host its third Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) from June 9–13 in Nice, France, aiming to respond to what organizers are calling an ecological emergency.
“Our planet’s life support system is in a state of emergency,” said Li Junhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) and Secretary-General of the summit.
He emphasized that despite alarming signs—rising ocean temperatures, acidification, biodiversity loss, plastic pollution, and overfishing—there is still time to act.
“The future of the ocean is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the decisions and actions that we are making now,” Mr. Li said at a press briefing in New York.
A Global Cross-Sector Call to Action
UNOC 3 will convene over 50 Heads of State and 1,500 delegates from nearly 200 nations. The packed agenda includes 10 plenary sessions, thematic roundtables, and side forums focused on pressing ocean issues.
Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the UN, made clear the urgency and the ambition:
“This is an emergency… we are witnessing the deterioration of the quality of the oceans as an environment, as a reservoir of biodiversity, as a carbon sink.”
France, co-hosting the summit with Costa Rica, hopes to deliver a landmark “Nice agreement” for the ocean—mirroring the climate-defining Paris Agreement from a decade ago.
“The goal is to produce a Nice agreement that is pro-oceans,” said Bonnafont.
Roadmap to Nice: Science, Finance, and Resilience
UNOC 3 will be preceded by three key preparatory events:
- One Ocean Science Congress (June 4–6): Thousands of researchers will meet to share findings.
- Summit on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience (June 7): A focus on adapting to sea level rise.
- Blue Economy Finance Forum in Monaco (June 7–8): A push to align capital with sustainable ocean goals.
Costa Rica’s Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde demanded accountability:
“We’re expecting concrete commitments with clear timelines, budgets and accountability mechanisms. What is different this time around, zero rhetoric, maximum results.”
Turning Vision into Results
The core theme of the conference, “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Stakeholders to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” aims to unite global efforts across governments, civil society, businesses, and scientists.
“This is our moment to transform ambition into action,” Li said.
He praised the “visionary leadership” of France and Costa Rica, who helped bring the summit to life.
Costa Rica’s slogan for the event captures its urgency and potential:
“Five days. One ocean. One unique opportunity.”
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