2025 UN Ocean Conference to Focus on Accelerating Ocean Conservation

The United Nations is preparing for the much-anticipated 2025 Ocean Conference, set to be held in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, this global event seeks to galvanize action and unite efforts to conserve and sustainably utilize the planet’s oceans.

Theme and Goals

Under the theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean”, the conference will serve as a platform for governments, UN agencies, international organizations, and civil society to address pressing ocean conservation challenges. The event underscores the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

The key objectives of the conference include:

Promoting immediate action to conserve oceans and marine resources in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14).

Supporting the implementation of partnerships and agreements aimed at sustainable ocean use.

Establishing the “Nice Ocean Action Plan”, an intergovernmentally agreed declaration paired with a series of voluntary commitments to accelerate global ocean conservation efforts.

Pre-Conference Initiatives

A series of impactful events will precede the main conference, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage, collaborate, and innovate. Notable pre-conference initiatives include:

One Ocean Science Congress (June 4-6, 2025, in Nice): A gathering of scientific minds to share knowledge and research on ocean conservation.
Blue Economy and Finance Forum (June 7-8, 2025, in Monaco): Focused on integrating sustainable economic practices into marine industries.
Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition (June 7, 2025, in Nice): Highlighting strategies to combat rising sea levels and enhance coastal resilience.
These initiatives are designed to bring together diverse stakeholders, foster partnerships, and promote knowledge sharing to support the sustainable development of ocean resources.

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference is expected to be a milestone in global efforts to address the mounting challenges facing marine ecosystems. By uniting stakeholders and promoting actionable solutions, the event aims to catalyze meaningful change, ensuring a sustainable future for the world’s oceans. The adoption of the Nice Ocean Action Plan will provide a clear roadmap for nations to work collaboratively toward ocean conservation goals.

With its comprehensive agenda and wide-ranging participation, the conference marks a significant step in safeguarding our oceans for future generations.