UN Oceans Conference
Nice, France. June, 2025.
Overview
The third UN Ocean Conference brought governments, researchers, and civil society together to accelerate action on ocean protection and sustainable blue economies. The central themes included financing ocean resilience, safeguarding biodiversity, scaling nature-based solutions, and advancing global frameworks on pollution and climate-linked ocean impacts.
Key Takeaways for Islands
1. A stronger global focus on island-led ocean solutions
UNOC3 recognised the disproportionate vulnerability of islands while highlighting their innovation in fisheries management, marine conservation, and blue-economy entrepreneurship.
2. Emerging funding pathways for coastal resilience
New commitments emphasised blended finance for nature-based defences, coral restoration, and community-led monitoring — areas where islands can lead.
3. Renewed momentum on ocean-climate integration
The conference advanced discussions linking marine ecosystems with climate mitigation and adaptation, reinforcing issues central to island survival.
4. Recognition of cultural and indigenous knowledge
Dialogue increasingly centred on traditional ocean stewardship, a space where island communities hold globally significant expertise.
Planning Ahead
Islands preparing for the next phase of UN ocean engagement should focus on identifying specific projects suitable for new funding mechanisms, strengthening partnerships with science bodies, and building delegation capacity for regional and UN-level dialogues. Oileán can support islands in preparing briefs, identifying entry points, and developing ocean storytelling strategies rooted in local realities.
