Doha: The United Nations expressed hope that the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) proves to be the pivotal opportunity to accelerate action and mobilize all stakeholders across the sectors and borders to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
According to Qatar News Agency, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, the UNOC3 will take place in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025. "The ocean 'our planet's life-support system' is in a state of emergency. The evidence is overwhelming: rising temperatures, acidifying waters, plastic choking marine life, disappearing habitats, and the relentless overexploitation of resources," head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Li Junhua said during a press briefing about the upcoming UN Ocean Conference.
"However, there is still time to change our course 'if we act collectively," he added. UNOC3 will culminate in the adoption of the "Nice Ocean Action Plan" - a concise, action-oriented declaration, along with new and expanded voluntary commitments, Junhua said. "This plan will be our collective blueprint to advance SDG 14: to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources," he stated.