The ocean covers over 70% of Earth’s surface, acting as a vital regulator of environmental balances, a massive carbon sink, and a source of immense biodiversity, food, jobs, and trade fueling the very rhythm of our existence. That makes our ocean the blue heart of our planet, sustaining life, cultures, and economies across the globe.
More than 3 billion people depend on its vast embrace for food, livelihoods, energy, and wonder. But today, this vital lifeline is fraying. From the silent spread of plastic pollution to the devastating stains of oil spills, and the quiet yet relentless rise of sea levels, our ocean faces immense stress.
The call for urgent global action is no longer a whisper; it’s a roar that echoes across every coastline, from the smallest island nation to the largest continental power.
From 9-13 June 2025, a pivotal moment arrives: the UN Ocean Conference, proudly co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in Nice. This isn’t just another conference; it’s a powerful convergence of collective effort.
🌐 Who Will Attend?
- Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities
- Governments (UN Member States)
- United Nations Entities
- Intergovernmental Organizations
- International Financial Institutions
- Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs)
- Civil Society Organizations
- Academic Institutions
- The Private Sector
Together, they will forge a path forward, driven by the overarching theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” This landmark event is aiming to deliver an ambitious Ocean Action Plan, focusing on three transformative priorities:
🌊 Scale up ocean-based solutions: Championing groundbreaking initiatives, from restoring vital kelp forests that absorb climate-warming carbon to pioneering efforts like Niue’s bold commitment to protect 100% of its waters through innovative financial mechanisms. Celebrate successes like the ReShark initiative, breeding endangered zebra sharks for reintroduction into the wild , and harness the ocean’s natural power to combat climate change.
🤝 Strengthen cooperation and innovation: This conference will ignite a new wave of collaboration, embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered satellite monitoring for better oil spill detection and methane leak quantification. It’s about fostering radical data transparency, building robust partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries, and mobilizing finance for a truly sustainable blue economy. They will explore how “blue ports and shipping” can lead the way, and how investing in ocean health can drive a regenerative economy.
💙 Secure a healthy, resilient ocean for future generations: This commitment demands unwavering accountability, driven by verifiable data and a collective dedication to environmental integrity. It’s about strengthening marine science and ensuring that knowledge empowers policy-making, fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean’s intricate interlinkages with climate and biodiversity.
Key insights from the 2025 program:
- Comprehensive Agenda: The conference is structured with a mix of plenary meetings for general debate and dedicated “Ocean Action Panels” that delve into specific thematic areas, indicating a comprehensive approach to ocean issues.
- Focus on SDG 14: The entire conference is dedicated to supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14, highlighting the UN’s commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable use.
- Diverse Thematic Panels: The ten Ocean Action Panels cover a broad spectrum of critical ocean-related topics, including ecosystem conservation and restoration (including deep-sea) to sustainable food and enhancing conservation through international law (UNCLOS).
- Action-Oriented Outcome: The program confirms the adoption of a political declaration and a report, emphasizing the goal of producing concrete outcomes and a “Nice Ocean Action Plan.”
- Stakeholder Engagement: The structure, with general debates and specific panels, suggests an environment designed to encourage participation and contributions from various stakeholders.
- Daily Structure: Each day follows a clear pattern of morning plenary sessions and afternoon Ocean Action Panels, allowing for both high-level discussions and focused thematic deep dives.
- Emphasis on Science and Finance: Several panels specifically address increasing scientific cooperation and mobilizing financial resources, indicating these are recognized as crucial enablers for ocean action.
This conference marks the dawn of a new era in global ocean stewardship – one that firmly places equity, science, and sustainability at its very heart.
It’s a conference where every action, every policy, and every innovation is guided by the profound understanding that the health of our ocean is inextricably linked to the well-being of humanity.
As we approach the World Ocean Day, let’s us celebrate the “Wonder” of our ocean by committing to protecting its essential features.
Read the full program here
Be part of the wave of change and join our network at SaveOCEAN.
The future of our blue planet depends on us.
SaveOCEAN 
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