UNOC3 - Third United Nations Ocean Conference

UNOC3 – Third United Nations Ocean Conference

A Historic Moment for the Ocean

From 9 to 13 June 2025, over 12,000 delegates — including 64 Heads of State, 115 ministers, and representatives from 175 UN Member States — gathered in Nice, France, for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). With nearly triple the attendance of UNOC2 in Lisbon, it was the largest ocean-focused summit in history, and an unprecedented mobilisation of political will, science, civil society, youth, finance, and indigenous voices.

The Conference, comprising an opening segment, ten plenary sessions, ten Ocean Action Panels and a closing segment, alongside approximately 140 official side-events, aims to further action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify additional ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14.

*Santa Maria Manuela* vessel at UNOC3
*© Oceano Azul Foundation _ Pedro Pina*

Our role

Oceano Azul has been supporting the UN Ocean Conferences since the 1st Conference in 2017, in New York. We played a crucial role during the 2nd Conference in 2022 in Lisbon, considered one of the two civil society umbrella organisations by the United Nations.

In March 2025, the Foundation, in partnership with the French Republic, co-hosted the SOS Ocean Paris Meeting, with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies. This high-level gathering convened global leaders and key ocean stakeholders to strengthen political momentum ahead of UNOC3 and called for decisive action in advancing global ocean governance.

The work done by the Foundation has been fully recognised by the United Nations, but also by France and Costa Rica, co-organisers of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, with whom we have been working closely since. We also promoted the “passing of the baton” from UNOC2 to UNOC3 between Portugal and France during the official visit of President Macron in Lisbon.

At UNOC3, Oceano Azul Foundation was deeply engaged in the conference, contributing to both political momentum and public visibility. These were some of the key contributions to the Conference:

Official Conference segments

Oceano Azul Foundation played a prominent role in the main official segments of the United Nations Ocean Conference, including the Plenary Session and the Ocean Action Panels. The Foundation’s Chairman José Soares dos Santos was the first representative from Civil Society Organisations to address the Plenary. In addition, CEO Tiago Pitta e Cunha and Senior Project Manager Pradeep Singh served as Lead Discussants in Ocean Action Panel 1 and Ocean Action Panel 2, respectively.

Beyond the main sessions, we were also a key contributor to the One Ocean Science Congress, held from 3 to 6 June, where Pradeep Singh delivered an oral presentation, participated in a panel discussion, and co-authored two additional scientific papers.

Welcoming partners aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, Oceano Azul’s floating base in Nice

Santa Maria Manuela was far more than a symbolic presence. Throughout the Conference, it became a strategic hub where governments, multilateral organisations, and philanthropic partners were welcomed for high-level dialogues and informal exchanges.

By hosting targeted receptions and gatherings on board, we created a unique environment that fostered trust, strengthened alliances, and opened new avenues for collaboration. Positioned at the heart of UNOC3, the Santa Maria Manuela embodied Oceano Azul’s ability to catalyse science, diplomacy, and public engagement in a distinctive and influential way.

Engagements with the United Nations

During the Conference, we held important meetings with senior United Nations officials. The Secretary-General of the United Nations visited the Foundation aboard the Santa Maria Manuela, underscoring the significance of our work. Furthermore, we conducted bilateral meetings with the two UN Under- Secretary-Generals who were present at the Conference, further strengthening its strategic dialogue at the highest levels of international ocean governance.

Building partnerships and convening action: bilateral meetings and events

During UNOC3, Oceano Azul Foundation convened bilateral meetings with national governments and philanthropic organisations to strengthen strategic partnerships. These exchanges opened new avenues for collaboration in ocean governance and marine conservation, reinforcing the Foundation’s role in driving global impact and advancing the sustainable management of the ocean.

The Conference also provided a valuable platform for the Foundation to showcase our core programmes and initiatives on the global stage. In more than 20 events, it offered a valuable platform to highlight the work done in marine protection, coastal resilience, blue economy, and policy advocacy —further reinforcing our leadership in ocean conservation and governance.

Next Generation: Ocean Basecamp

The Ocean Basecamp was created during the 2nd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC2), in Lisbon, as a creative, open, and inclusive space. It aimed to foster interaction and unity among civil society organisations, amplifying their voices and encouraging more active participation in ocean protection.

In 2025, it returned as the Next Generation: Ocean Basecamp – a larger, more ambitious, and more mature version of the original concept. This new integration reflects the growth of the initiative: stronger international partnerships, a sharper agenda, and a renewed commitment to driving ocean action through a bottom-up approach.

With limited access to the Blue Zone, the Ocean Basecamp became a vital hub where NGOs can present their work, engage in dialogue, and build collaborative solutions for ocean protection.

From science to the screen: streaming two groundbreaking ocean documentaries

At UNOC3, Oceano Azul Foundation leveraged the power of storytelling to engage the global community and raise awareness about the ocean’s wonders and vulnerabilities. The Foundation premiered two documentaries that combined scientific insight with compelling narratives:

1. The Giant of the Atlantic – A Scientific Mission to Gorringe: This documentary chronicles the Foundation’s pioneering Expedition to the Gorringe Seamount, Europe’s tallest underwater mountain. The mission, conducted aboard the historic vessel Santa Maria Manuela, unveiled critical marine habitats and species, including coral gardens and electric rays, highlighting the urgent need for protection of this biodiversity hotspot.
2. The Island of Giants: This film explores the mysterious presence of whale sharks around Santa Maria Island in the Azores. It delves into the ecological and socio-economic impacts of these encounters, raising questions about the effects of climate change on marine species migration patterns.

Both documentaries serve as compelling tools for advocacy, aiming to inspire global action towards marine conservation.

Key Outcomes of UNOC3

1. BBNJ Treaty: A milestone for the High Seas protection

The High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) became closer than ever to becoming a reality at UNOC3.

50 countries ratified the treaty. The treaty has since reached the requirement to enter into force.
15 more pledged to ratify by September 2025.
Only 10 additional ratifications were needed for the treaty to enter into force by January 2026 by the end of the Conference.

This agreement, covering 64% of the ocean’s surface, is the fastest-moving ocean governance treaty in UN history — a landmark for multilateralism and marine conservation.

Dr. Sylvia Earle at UNOC3 – High-Level Panel promoted by Oceano Azul Foundation
*© Oceano Azul Foundation _ Pedro Pina*

2. Announcement of the Ocean Champions Group

At the closing of UNOC3, France announced the creation of the Ocean Champions Group, a new coalition composed of the nations who have shown leadership in ocean governance meeting at least two criteria: by ratifying the BBNJ Treaty and supporting a moratorium on deep-sea mining.

The Group will come together to drive forward the global ocean action agenda and lay the groundwork for 2030 and beyond.

Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the French President for the United Nations Conference on Oceans, Ambassador for the Polar Regions and Oceans at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France
*© Oceano Azul Foundation _ Pedro Pina*

3. Deep-Sea Mining: Global opposition gathers strength, but challenges remain

Momentum against deep-sea mining was felt in Nice:

By June, 37 countries had endorsed a precautionary pause.
23 nations issued a joint statement mobilising the international community.
Leading financial institutions pledged not to fund mining operations.

These are important signals of growing concern for the protection of fragile deep-sea ecosystems. Yet, the industry is still advancing, regulations remain unfinished, and opposition is far from universal. The push for a global moratorium is gaining ground, but significant political and economic hurdles remain.

Palau’s President Surangel Whipps, an outspoken world leader on the topic of deep-sea mining, comes aboard Santa Maria Manuela to deliver a keynote address atThe Light in the Dark: Safeguarding the Deep *Ocean* event
*© Oceano Azul Foundation _ Pedro Pina*

4. Portugal leads: the Gorringe Marine Protected Area

Portugal reaffirmed its role as a global leader in marine conservation by announcing the creation of a new 100,000 km² Marine Protected Area in the Gorringe seamount region. This bold move will raise Portugal’s marine protection coverage from 19% to 25% and bring the country closer to the 30×30 global target.

The Gorringe Marine Protected Area was established based on the results of Oceano Azul Expedition, whose research produced a comprehensive scientific report capable of highlighting how unique this ecosystem is and the need for its protection.

Maria da Graça Carvalho, Portuguese Minister of Environment and Energy, reinforcing Portugal’s commitment on marine protection towards the 30×30 goal, aboard Santa Maria Manuela
*© Oceano Azul Foundation _ Pedro Pina*

5. Europe unites for the ocean

At UNOC3, European leaders came together in an unprecedented number at such a summit to present the European Ocean Pact. This Pact, called for by Oceano Azul and Europe Jacques Delors merely a year before, signals a new ambition to anchor the ocean as a European priority and set an exemplary agenda for its protection and sustainable use.

The announcement of a future, legally-binding Ocean Act and a 1 billion euros investment to support ocean conservation, science and sustainable fishing, are further signs that Europe is on its way to build an Ocean Union.