Nice, France — Global leaders, policymakers, and activists gathered this week in Nice for the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), unveiling the ambitious Nice Ocean Action Plan to safeguard our planet’s oceans.
The action plan, named after the host city, includes a political declaration titled “Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action”. It outlines concrete goals to expand marine protected areas, decarbonize maritime transport, combat marine pollution, and mobilize financing for vulnerable coastal and island nations — many of which are in the Global South and already feeling the impacts of climate change.
A central focus was the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), adopted in 2023. During the conference, 19 additional countries ratified the agreement, bringing it closer to coming into force with only 10 more ratifications needed.
Held from June 9 to 13, the conference brought together heads of state, environmental experts, and young activists to advance dialogue on ocean governance and sustainable development. The collaboration highlighted the crucial role of youth and developing nations in shaping policies for a healthier ocean.
The next United Nations Ocean Conference will be co-hosted by South Korea and Chile in 2028, continuing the global efforts to protect our oceans for future generations.
