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Nice: United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) from June 9 to 13, 2025

In June 2025, Nice will be in the international spotlight as it hosts the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), a major event for ocean preservation. This conference, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, will bring together political leaders, scientists, representatives of non-governmental organizations, as well as private and public actors from around the world.

With a central challenge: addressing the environmental emergency by accelerating the implementation of commitments made during previous editions and defining new strategies to protect the oceans, which are key regulators of the climate and providers of vital resources.

UNOC-3: A Crucial Meeting for the Future of the Oceans

The oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface, are currently facing unprecedented threats.

Acidification, overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change are all factors that degrade these vital ecosystems, which are crucial for global climate and economic stability.

In this context, UNOC-3 presents a unique opportunity to accelerate international efforts, particularly around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), dedicated to the conservation of the oceans and their resources.

During the plenary sessions and roundtables scheduled over five days, discussions will focus on key themes such as reducing marine pollution, sustainable management of fishery resources, protecting biodiversity, and building the resilience of coastal communities in the face of climate change impacts. The financing of conservation measures, which remains insufficient despite the urgency, will also be a central topic of debate.

Why Nice?

The choice of Nice to host UNOC-3 reflects international recognition of its ecological commitment and expertise in organizing major events. The city, led by Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice and President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, has distinguished itself through its ambitious ecological transition policy, with strong actions on reducing greenhouse gases, preserving marine biodiversity, and combating plastic pollution.

Its goal to become a Zero Plastic city by 2025 and to reduce its CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 resonates with the summit’s objectives.

Nice is thus continuing the commitments made during previous conferences, particularly the one in Lisbon in 2022, where the importance of funding to achieve marine conservation goals was emphasized. By hosting UNOC-3, the city confirms its role as a leader in implementing ecological policies on a global scale.

The Nice Agreements: Towards Strengthened Ocean Governance

One of the main expectations for UNOC-3 is the adoption of the Nice Agreements, intended to serve as a framework for future international actions in support of the oceans. Inspired by the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate, these new commitments will aim to strengthen international cooperation to preserve marine ecosystems, with a focus on implementing SDG 14.

This framework will enable the setting of binding targets to limit pressures on the oceans. It will include measures to strengthen fisheries monitoring, prevent illegal fishing activities, and promote the creation of marine protected areas.

These agreements should also encourage the development of innovative technologies for ocean cleanup and the adaptation of coastal infrastructure to rising sea levels.

UNOC-3: Parallel Events to Mobilize All Stakeholders

Alongside the conference, several satellite events will enhance the scientific and economic dimensions of the summit. Among these is the One Ocean Science Congress (June 4-6, 2025), co-organized by Ifremer and the CNRS, which will bring together thousands of international researchers. This congress will focus on scientific and technological solutions to improve ocean health and on the creation of the IPOS (International Panel on Ocean Sustainability), an entity dedicated to ocean sustainability modeled after the IPCC for climate.

The Blue Economy and Finance Forum (Monaco, June 6-8, 2025) will also be a key event, bringing together political decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs. This forum aims to mobilize private and public funding to support the blue economy and develop clean technologies for maritime transport and sustainable fishing.

Nice, Driving Force Behind an International Coalition for Ocean Protection

Furthermore, the city of Nice will play a driving role in creating an International Coalition of Local Governments for Ocean Protection, an initiative supported by President Emmanuel Macron. This coalition aims to bring together local governments representing one billion citizens worldwide to intensify scientific cooperation, mobilize funding, and strengthen the resilience of coastal regions threatened by rising sea levels.

Financial Challenges at the Heart of Discussions

One of the major challenges for the future of the oceans remains the mobilization of the financial resources needed for their protection. SDG 14 is currently one of the least funded, and it is estimated that an additional $175 billion per year will be required by 2030 to achieve the set goals. UNOC-3 will serve as a platform to attract investments in sustainable projects, from both the public and private sectors, with the ambition to promote the development of a resilient blue economy.

UNOC-3, a Pivotal Conference for the Future of the Oceans

UNOC-3 in Nice is shaping up to be a pivotal event for global ocean governance. In the context of the climate emergency, it is imperative that the commitments made at the conclusion of this conference are followed by concrete actions. With the adoption of the Nice Agreements, the international community could take a decisive step towards sustainable ocean management, which is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the survival of many communities worldwide.

Nice, with its strong ecological commitment, plays a central role here, not only as the host of the summit but also as a key player in ecological transition policies at both the local and international levels.

Reaction of Christian ESTROSI, Mayor of Nice, President of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis, and Delegate President of the Provence Alpes Côte-d’Azur Region:

“I am delighted with the President of the French Republic and the United Nations’ decision to choose Nice to host this global event. It is a recognition of Nice’s commitment to the preservation of marine environments.

Faced with the challenges of climate change and the erosion of biodiversity, Nice is implementing a concrete ecological transition, which is already having an impact on air quality, modes of transport, the preservation of water resources, and the protection of ecosystems.

The President of the French Republic’s decision to choose Nice as the host city for this international summit also attests, just a few months after its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, to our city’s ability to prepare for and host the largest international events in the service of France’s influence.”

Sources : Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires Etrangères, Plateforme Océan & Climat, Fondation de la mer, Ministère chargé de la Mer et de la Pêche, Nice 24, Ocean Decade