At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held this week in Nice, France, Mayor Christian Estrosi emphasized the crucial role of France and China in safeguarding our oceans. Both nations, strong supporters of multilateralism, are poised to lead efforts in conserving and sustainably using marine resources.
“Only multilateralism gives us a real chance to act,” Estrosi declared. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation, especially between France and China, to tackle the pressing challenges facing our oceans.
UNOC3 saw participation from around 100 countries—more than any previous edition—as well as robust representation from scientists, civil society, and global stakeholders. “This gives me great hope that Nice, together with all who represent our planet, can bring about major advances in finding solutions,” Estrosi added.
In March, the French and Chinese governments issued a joint declaration on climate, marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement and boosting momentum ahead of UNOC3. The declaration underscored a shared commitment to provide “multilateral responses to the major challenges of our time.”
Estrosi praised ongoing collaborations, citing the Nice Observatory where French, Chinese, and international scientists study the impacts of global warming on the oceans from space. “There is real cooperation,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his visits to China over the past two decades, Estrosi shared how a 2019 family trip to Hangzhou inspired him. “It’s a truly ecological city,” he noted. “Much of what I saw there inspired me to implement similar initiatives in Nice.”
As UNOC3 seeks to drive action on ocean preservation, the partnership between France and China stands as a beacon of hope for global efforts to protect marine life and promote sustainable development.
