June 9 - 13, 2025
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference will mobilize people around the world and across sectors — including decision-makers in government, scientists, Indigenous communities, and business and civil society leaders — to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
The ocean is essential to all life on Earth. But ocean health is threatened by interconnected environmental challenges, known as the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Despite headwinds, collective action on ocean governance to address these challenges is moving forward. When delegates gather in Nice, France between June 9 and 13 they will unite behind core themes and policy frameworks that collectively benefit climate, ocean, and people. This is a pivotal moment to unite global voices and catalyze bold action on Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
A fisherman uses sustainable trawling methods in the Seychelles. Healthy marine environments support the livelihoods of nearly 3 billion people living in coastal communities around the world. Photo: The Ocean Agency
An aerial view of a cargo ship, part of the more than 80% of trade transported by the sea. Green shipping is a vital component of the global effort to protect the ocean. Photo: Cameron Venti / Ocean Image Bank
A scientific diver records observations while diving on a coral reef in American Samoa—part of efforts to protect coral reefs in the Pacific. Photo: Shaun Wolfe / Ocean Image Bank
This year’s agenda at UN Ocean Conference will cover a range of topics related to ocean action — from cooperation to sustainable fisheries to preventing and reducing marine pollution.
Here are some of the key issues to watch.
The High Seas are some of the most biologically diverse and globally unique areas essential to life on Earth. These areas are beyond national jurisdiction cover an area equivalent to 50% of the Earth’s surface and 64% of the ocean. Countries are now working to ratify the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement) to protect these critical ecosystems, while addressing the impacts of human activity, like the global shipping industry, to help mitigate its impact on marine biodiversity.
The shipping sector has a central role to play in enhancing ocean health, tackling climate change, halting biodiversity loss, strengthening resilience, and advancing global equity. More than 80% of global trade is transported by sea, and the global shipping industry is responsible for 3% of all global greenhouse gas emissions — making green shipping a vital component of the global effort to protect the ocean from pollution and the impacts of climate change.
Ocean acidification refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean, which occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Ocean acidification is exacerbated by pollution and climate change and directly threatens marine biodiversity — and by extension, all those who rely on life below water for their food, livelihood, and cultural traditions. Reducing emissions is essential for combating ocean acidification, while regional science helps us find the best local response strategies.
Science is essential to safeguarding the health of the ocean, and is fundamental to effective policies that drive climate action forward. In the lead up to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the One Ocean Science Congress will convene leading scientists, policymakers, and thought leaders around the world to explore how science can guide meaningful action and shape a sustainable future for the ocean.
Explore events at or around the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, hosted by the UN Foundation, the OA Alliance, and partners.
June 11, 2025
Policy Action to Implement SDG 14.3
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June 9, 2025
Science to Action on SDG 14.3
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June 3-6, 2025
One Ocean Science Congress
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May 28, 2025
OA Alliance’s Ambition for UNOC 2025
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Create an action plan to address climate-ocean impacts in your region.
Learn more with OA Alliance >>
Just in time for World Oceans Day add your voice to the global conversation.
Download the 2025 Toolkit >>
Become a Friend of World Oceans Day, a global community of supporters.
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Feature image courtesy of Fabrice Dudenhofer / Ocean Image Bank.
