From 9-13 June, the World Maritime University (WMU) will participate in the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), in Nice, France. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the high-level gathering convened global leaders under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”
The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC)
Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean
The WMU delegation was led by President Maximo Q. Mejia, Jr., who emphasized the University’s commitment to supporting the International Maritime Organization and Member States through maritime and ocean education, research, and capacity development.
Maximo Q.Mejia
President, World Maritime University
“WMU is committed to ocean conservation and to taking action that ensures we respect and preserve the ocean—our planet’s lifeblood—which provides us with vital living and non-living resources, and connects us all and sustains the global economy through shipping. We must remain steadfast in our collective efforts to steward this vital resource wisely, as the future of humanity and all life on Earth depends on it,” said President Mejia.
wmu-goi side events at unoc3
As an official UNOC supporter, the WMU–Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (WMU-GOI) co-hosted three Side Events on 13 June in the Conference’s Blue and Green Zones:
Accelerating Sustainability: Transforming Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries and Aquaculture
Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (FAO GFCM), the high-level panel was moderated by Professor Ronán Long, Director of the WMU-GOI. The event highlighted regional cooperation, launched the GFCM Voluntary Ocean Commitment, and mobilized sustainability pledges from key stakeholders.
Charting the Future: BBNJ and Ocean Governance Solutions for the Triple Planetary Crisis
Organized by the WMU-GOI, this roundtable explored solutions to the triple planetary crisis, including biodiversity protection, legal reforms, and technology for marine data sharing. WMU speakers included Dr Zhen Sun and Dr Tafsir Matin Johansson with representatives from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Sargasso Sea Commission, and Institute of Marine Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago.
Dive into Action: Uniting Ocean Ambassadors for a Sustainable Future.
Co-organized with Positive Vibes Only (PVO) Expeditions and OECS, this creative public workshop at “La Baleine” blended ocean literacy and engagement through art, music, virtual reality, and interactive activities, encouraging multi-generational participation.
Participation in Partners Events
Throughout the week, WMU-GOI experts also contributed to several partner events.
The week-long engagement reflected WMU’s deep commitment to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) and supporting global ocean governance through education, research, and multi stakeholder partnerships.
The conference outcome document recognized the vital role of maritime transport, infrastructure, and routes in global trade, food and energy security, and the urgent need to cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions in the sector.
ACCESS THE post event material below
Post event material to the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, Nice France
ABOUT THE wmu-sasakawa global ocean institute
The World Maritime University (WMU)-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute (GOI) is an independent focal point for the ocean science-policy-law-industry-society interface where policymakers, the scientific community, regulators, industry actors, academics, and representatives of civil society meet to discuss how best to manage and use ocean spaces and their resources in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Institute was inaugurated in May 2018 and made possible through generous support from The Nippon Foundation of Japan, the Governments of Sweden, Canada, and Germany, as well as the City of Malmö.
About the World Maritime University
The World Maritime University (WMU) in Malmö, Sweden is established within the framework of the International Maritime Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations. The mission of WMU is to be the world centre of excellence in postgraduate maritime and oceans education, professional training and research, while building global capacity and promoting sustainable development. WMU is an organization by and for the international maritime community and is committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
About the 2025 united nations ocean conference
The 2025 UNOC, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, brings together governments, the UN, civil society, academia, the private sector, and Indigenous Peoples to promote ocean solutions and accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14.