Over 50 world leaders and 1,500 delegates will meet in Nice from 9-13 June 2025 for the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3). The goal: stop the silent collapse of the ocean ecosystem. The conference will unite governments, scientists, businesses, and civil society under one urgent mission.
UN officials warn the ocean is choking under rising temperatures, acidification, pollution, and overfishing. The ocean, a major carbon sink and biodiversity hub, is in crisis.
OCEAN IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY
UN DESA chief Li Junhua, Secretary-General of the summit, called the situation a planetary emergency. He urged immediate action, saying the ocean’s fate is in our hands. He described UNOC 3 as more than another conference — it’s a critical turning point.
Li said the summit must accelerate efforts and unite stakeholders across all sectors and borders.
FRANCE AND COSTA RICA LEAD CALL FOR OCEAN PACT
France and Costa Rica are co-hosting the summit. French UN envoy Jérôme Bonnafont called the ocean crisis a full-blown ecological emergency. France hopes the conference will result in a landmark Nice Agreement for the Ocean. This agreement would be as impactful as the 2015 Paris Agreement was for climate.
The Nice Action Plan will be a concise, action-based declaration with voluntary commitments from nations and organizations.
ROAD TO NICE: SCIENCE, SOLUTIONS, FINANCE
Three major events lead up to UNOC 3:
- One Ocean Science Congress (4–6 June): Thousands of scientists discuss marine threats and solutions.
- Summit on Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience (7 June): Focuses on sea level rise and community adaptation.
- Blue Economy Finance Forum (7–8 June): Held in Monaco to boost ocean-friendly investments.
Costa Rican Ambassador Maritza Chan Valverde stressed the need for action, not words. She called for firm commitments, deadlines, and accountability.
TURNING AMBITION INTO ACTION
UNOC 3’s theme is “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Stakeholders to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.” The summit will cover marine biodiversity, sustainable fishing, climate-ocean links, and plastic pollution.
Li Junhua urged leaders, businesses, researchers, and citizens to unite. He praised France and Costa Rica for their leadership. Costa Rica’s summit slogan captures the urgency: “Five days. One ocean. One unique opportunity.”
