Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

Overview

Following the first two UN Ocean Conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), France and Costa Rica will co-host the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from 9 to 13 June 2025.

Marking ten years since COP21 and the signing of the Paris Agreement, this high-level global gathering will bring together UN Member States, specialized agencies, civil society, the private sector, and international donors to address one of the greatest shared challenges of our time: the future of our ocean.

France’s Commitment to Ocean Protection

“Protecting the oceans means protecting an immense carbon sink and unimaginable biodiversity reserves… In 2025, the conference in Nice will be foundational for ocean governance. The Nice Ocean Agreements will provide a framework to inform and guide climate action. The Ocean Conference should become a forum for solidarity, innovation, and investment in the ocean economy.”
— President Emmanuel Macron

Oceans cover over 70% of the Earth’s surface, regulating climate, supporting biodiversity, and sustaining global trade and human livelihoods. Yet, today they face mounting threats from climate change, pollution, and overexploitation.

Goals of UNOC3

This third conference is action-focused, aiming to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water)—currently the least funded of all SDGs. UNOC3 will prioritize:

• Advancing multilateral ocean protection frameworks
• Mobilizing sustainable ocean finance and investment in the blue economy
• Enhancing and sharing marine science to guide policy-making

The outcome will include the Nice Ocean Action Plan, made up of a political declaration and a list of voluntary commitments from global stakeholders.

Conference Format

9–13 June 2025 | Nice, France

• Morning plenaries: Statements from UN Member States on ocean commitments
• Afternoon Ocean Action Panels: Multi-stakeholder dialogues to foster new coalitions and projects, encouraging concrete, scalable solutions for the ocean

Register for the conference here →
(Final registration session opens 4 November 2025)

Special Events Around UNOC3

4–6 June – One Ocean Science Congress (Nice)
Hosted by Ifremer and CNRS, this summit of 2,000+ international scientists will explore ocean health indicators and support the launch of the International Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS) and Mercator Ocean International.

7 June – Ocean Rise & Resilience Coalition (Nice)
Hosted by the City of Nice and the Ocean & Climate Platform, this event gathers leaders from coastal cities and island states to accelerate adaptation strategies and financing in the face of sea level rise.

7–8 June – Blue Economy and Finance Forum (Monaco)
Hosted by Monaco, this forum will unite heads of state, financial leaders, and civil society to scale up investment in the sustainable blue economy and propose innovative financing mechanisms.

June (Date TBA) – World Oceans Day (Nice)
In partnership with the United Nations, this celebration will spotlight ocean civil society and the voices of Peoples of the Sea.

Public Engagement: The Green Zone

28 May – 13 June 2025 | Nice Port & Palais des Expositions
An open-access zone for public engagement featuring ocean education, cultural programming, and exhibitions on marine protection and maritime heritage.