This is the main event and the highlight of the Year of the Ocean taking place this year. After New York and Lisbon, France and Costa Rica are co-hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference, code-named UNOC3, in Nice. As a bonus, a series of associated events will accompany it.
The Stakes
What is at stake in the United Nations Convention, which will take place in early June in Nice? Bringing together all United Nations member states, their heads of state and government, specialized agencies, civil society, the private sector, and international donors. What are the priorities? To encourage collective work processes related to the ocean to strengthen its protection, mobilize funding to support the development of a sustainable blue economy, and enhance knowledge on the subject to encourage informed decision-making.
Moving to Concrete Actions
The goal is to set out concrete ambitions and work with all actors in the ecosystem. To this end, an action plan organized around a political declaration and a list of commitments is expected to be adopted at the end of the event. But that’s not all! In addition to the plenary session, dialogue sessions called “Ocean A” will highlight coalitions and projects in favor of the ocean. This ultra-intensive week will feature multiple events, including the One Ocean Science Congress, aimed at implementing solutions.
A Dedicated Summit
Following this, on June 7, the summit of coastal cities, coastal regions, and island states, organized by the City of Nice and the Ocean & Climate platform, aims to accelerate access to information and foster collaborations among stakeholders to better adapt to climate and oceanic changes. Finally, on June 7 and 8, Monaco will host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, ensuring the engagement of businesses, heads of state, civil society, and financial actors in advancing the blue economy while offering innovative perspectives.
On June 8, World Ocean Day will be celebrated, with special attention given to the Ocean’s peoples, in the presence of key global oceanic civil society leaders. A dedicated gathering of ocean leaders will take place, along with a spectacular show at sea and in the skies over the Bay of Angels.
