Oceans are the lifeblood of planet Earth, contributing to climate regulation, providing food and natural resources, and supporting biodiversity. With escalating environmental threats such as pollution, rising temperatures, and overfishing, the United Nations launched its Ocean Conference as a global platform to coordinate international efforts to preserve ocean health.
The governments of France and Costa Rica will host the next session of the conference in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, with the participation of over 150 countries, represented by heads of state, ministers, experts, and civil society representatives.
Conference Objectives
The conference focuses on supporting scientific innovation, environmental financing, reducing marine pollution, and achieving sustainable marine wealth. It also seeks to enhance global ocean governance, expand marine protected areas, and encourage the transition to a sustainable "blue economy."
Overview of Previous Sessions
The first session was held in 2017 in New York, and the second in 2022 in Lisbon. Both contributed to voluntary commitments from countries and institutions to protect the seas, and also fostered scientific and technical cooperation among international partners.
Sustainable Development Goal 14
This goal is the core of the Ocean Conference and states: "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development." This goal includes several key areas, including:
- Reducing marine pollution in all its forms, especially plastic and chemical waste.
- Regulating overfishing and protecting endangered species.
- Supporting marine scientific research and technology transfer.
- Enhancing the capacities of developing countries, especially small island developing states, in managing their marine resources.
Conclusion
The UN Ocean Conference represents a crucial moment to support global efforts to protect this vital resource. Through international cooperation, we can ensure the sustainability of the oceans for the benefit of humanity and the planet as a whole.
