UN Ocean Conference Opens | United Nations

Nice, France: 09 June 2025, in ‘Nissa la bella’ – city of azure seas and clear skies; UN Secretary General – António Guterres accompanied by President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron and President of the Republic of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, called the presented head of states and all delegations:

to ratify the last UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon.
to welcome good news delivered by President Macron and the momentum this Conference is generating toward its swift entry into force.
to agree on an ambitious and legally binding treaty on plastic pollution – this year.
to conclude the agreement on fisheries currently discussed at World Trade Organization.
to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 as committed by The International Maritime Organization.

The UN Chief emphasized that we have seen growing awareness of the deep interconnection between preserving biodiversity and marine ecosystems, combatting climate change, consequently stopping the pollution is a must to be accomplished in full. Mr. Guterres then continued, reminding the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework which has set a bold pledge: to conserve and manage at least 30 per cent of marine and coastal areas by 2030. Moreover, to pay more attention in SDG 14 on life below water which currently remains one of the least funded Sustainable Development Goals. He says that this condition must change – through increased public finance, greater support from development banks, and bold models to unlock private capital. Consequently, he urges all countries to come forward with bold pledges. The same condition applies to Small Island Developing States who need support to build resilience and thrive in the blue economy which now still struggles to access healthy-affordable food. He underscores the urgent need to restore local fisheries and strengthen ocean-based food systems including strengthening maritime security as a pillar of sustainable development. The UN Chief also notified the navigating new waters on seabed mining. He confirmed support for the ongoing work of the International Seabed Authority on this important issue; especially to avoid the deep sea becoming the ‘Wild West’.

To end the remarks the UN Chief says: ‘though, we live in an age of turmoil, but the resolve he sees hope that can turn the tide to move from plunder to protection, from exclusion to equity, from short-term exploitation to long-term stewardship. It’s possible that when we reached a global moratorium on commercial whaling, whale populations recovered. Once we protect marine areas, life returns. He then continued by stressing that we can restore marine abundance. What was lost in a generation can return to a generation. The ocean of our ancestors – teeming with life and diversity – can be more than legend. It can be our legacy.’

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