UN Ocean Conference Opens in Nice

World leaders are gathering in Nice, southeastern France, for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, set to begin on Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron aims to elevate the event into a global summit to rally stronger international efforts to protect the world's oceans. However, the United States has opted not to attend.

Around 50 heads of state and government officials, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are expected to attend. The conference will be preceded by a maritime parade on Sunday, held in celebration of World Oceans Day.

This high-level gathering seeks to advance global cooperation on marine conservation, sustainable ocean economies, and climate resilience, as ocean health continues to face mounting threats from pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

President Macron’s leadership in hosting the conference signals France’s growing commitment to marine protection and its ambition to position Europe at the forefront of global environmental governance. The absence of a US delegation, however, may limit the reach of any major international agreements.

The Nice summit is expected to focus on practical strategies for safeguarding biodiversity in international waters, advancing marine renewable energy, and implementing the new High Seas Treaty adopted in 2023.

With ocean health playing a vital role in global climate stability and food security, the outcomes of this conference could shape international marine policy in the years to come.