Nice Hosts the 3rd UN Ocean Conference: Governance, Treaties, and Global Mobilization Take Center Stage

From June 9 to 13, Nice becomes the focal point of global maritime diplomacy as it hosts the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), co-organized by France and Costa Rica. Following previous editions in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), this summit brings together 187 national delegations — including more than 50 heads of state and government — alongside scientists, NGOs, private sector representatives, and civil society. Their shared goal: to define a “Nice Ocean Action Plan” and strengthen international ocean governance.

Among the high-profile attendees are French President Emmanuel Macron, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and UN Secretary-General António Guterres. The conference will also feature the unprecedented gathering of a global coalition of mayors — nearly 300 local leaders from all continents — who will share climate resilience initiatives.

Ten Core Priorities and a Landmark Treaty

The summit is structured around ten key themes, from tackling plastic pollution and promoting sustainable fisheries to decarbonizing maritime transport and boosting scientific cooperation. One of the overarching goals is to increase marine protected areas from 8.4% today to 30% by 2030, in line with the Kunming-Montreal Agreement.

A major milestone of this edition is the push for the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, known as BBNJ (“Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction”). Adopted in 2023 but still awaiting the 60 ratifications required for entry into force, the treaty aims to create protected zones in international waters, regulate industrial activities, and ensure fair access to marine genetic resources. So far, only 21 countries, including France, have ratified it. Organizers view the treaty’s implementation as crucial to the conference’s success.

The Nice Ocean Action Plan: Science, Funding, and Governance

The “Nice Ocean Action Plan” rests on three pillars: enhancing the integration of scientific knowledge into policymaking, advancing multilateral ocean processes, and mobilizing sustainable blue economy funding. Ahead of the summit, a scientific conference (June 3–6) was held to present the latest research and encourage evidence-based decision-making.

Another key topic is the fight against illegal fishing — described by the French Ministry for the Ecological Transition as a “devastating ecological, economic and human scourge.” A political declaration on plastic pollution is also expected, in preparation for the next round of negotiations on the global plastics treaty, scheduled for August in Geneva.

A Political, Scientific — and Public — Summit

Unlike climate COPs, UNOC-3 will not result in a legally binding agreement. The final declaration — titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action” — will consolidate previous international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity pact. However, it notably omits any direct reference to fossil fuels, despite their role in climate change. The conference aims to serve as a springboard toward major upcoming milestones, including COP30 in Brazil and future IMO negotiations on ship emissions.

To engage the public, over 400 events will be hosted throughout Nice, including at the specially created “La Baleine” pavilion in the Palais des Expositions. Fully funded by private partners, the space will feature 15 themed exhibits, debates, performances, and screenings, all highlighting major ocean-related challenges. Iconic oceanographic research vessels will also parade in the city’s port. Additionally, a “Parliament of the Sea” will convene 90 lawmakers — from France, Europe, and beyond — to discuss legislative approaches to ocean protection.

With this unprecedented convergence of political leaders, scientists, and citizens, the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice aims to become a defining moment in safeguarding our oceans and advancing global ecological leadership.