The high-level 2025 UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the Third UN Ocean Conference, or UNOC3) brought together governments and ocean stakeholders to form robust partnerships and forge a new relationship between humans and the marine environment. Convening as a UNOC3 special event, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF) generated significant financial commitments to the blue economy.

The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting notes that UNOC3 was seen as a success overall. Among the highlights, it lists:

• Support for the entry into force of the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), illustrated by the 19 ratifications announced during the week, bringing the total to 51 – of the 60 needed for the treaty to enter into force;
• The announcement of new area-based management initiatives at the national level, with French Polynesia highlighting plans to place their entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) under protection, in line with the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Management;
• The launch of new initiatives, including the High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, the Ocean Tourism Pact, and the One Ocean Finance Facility;
• The adoption of the UNOC3 outcome document – a political declaration, ‘Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action,’ where countries reaffirm their strong commitment to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources toward a healthy, productive, and resilient ocean; and
• Financial commitments for the protection of the marine environment, totaling EUR 8.7 billion over the next five years emanating from the BEFF, an additional EUR 15 billion over the next three years committed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) to safeguard the EU’s water resources, and separate commitments from countries including Germany and Finland.

“In addition to mobilizing such funds,” the ENB analysis of the meeting notes, “some participants stressed that new financial tools must be carefully designed lest they run the risk of deepening existing inequities.”

Alongside the BEFF, special UN events that took place ahead of UNOC3 included the One Ocean Science Congress and the Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Summit.

“While UNOC does not deliver binding outcomes,” according to the ENB analysis, “it functions as a lighthouse, offering clear signals of the political will to address all Ocean-related matters.” UNOC3 convened from 9-13 June 2025, in Nice, France. It was co-chaired by France and Costa Rica. [ENB Coverage of 2025 UN Ocean Conference]