UN Ocean Conference &
One Ocean Science Congress
Photo credit: Tom Byrom / Unsplash
🌊 Were you at the One Ocean Science Congress or UN Ocean Conference 2025?
We want to hear from you!
The Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme invites all ECOPs (with 10 years or less experience in their profession)
who attended the One Ocean Science Congress (3–6 June) and/or the UN Ocean Conference (9–13 June) in Nice, France, to complete a short Post-Event Survey.
📝 Your insights will directly contribute to our Impact Report, which aims to showcase the contributions, challenges, and presence of ECOPs at these major global events — just like we did for the Ocean Decade Conference 2024 and UNOC2 in Lisbon.
Whether you presented, participated in a side event, or joined in any capacity, your perspective matters!
🕒 It takes just 5 minutes to complete.
📅 Deadline: Tuesday 1 July 2025.
Join the ECOP Programme for 2 weeks of ocean events in Nice, France
During the first 2 weeks of June 2025, the coastal city of Nice, France, will host two significant global events focused on ocean science and sustainability: the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) and the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
One Ocean Science Congress (3–6 June 2025)
Organized by CNRS and IFREMER, the One Ocean Science Congress will take place from 3 to 6 June in Nice. This event serves as a scientific foundation for UNOC3, aiming to provide comprehensive scientific insights into the ocean’s health, dynamics, and future trajectory. The congress will feature plenary sessions, keynote speeches, parallel oral and poster presentations, and townhall meetings to foster interaction between science, policy, and society.
The third UN Ocean Conference (9-13 June 2025)
The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, is also scheduled to take place in Nice, France, directly after the OOSC, from 9 to 13 June. This high-level event aims to accelerate action and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, supporting the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14).
The ECOP Programme in Nice
The ECOP Programme will be attending both the OOSC and UNOC in Nice. There will be plenty going on during the whole timeframe of 2-13 June, so if you are planning to attend either or both of these events please make sure to be signed up below.
Communications tools for Nice 2025
Join the ECOP registry for Nice 2025
Join the WhatsApp Group for Nice
Overview of events in Nice
Please find our curated agenda of ECOP Programme events below. You can scroll through to find more information and links.
Social or informal events are highlighted in red. Recommended events are highlighted in yellow including events organised by IOC-UNESCO.
And the One Ocean Science Congress in Nice, France
Key ECOP Programme Events in Nice
This welcoming, vibrant space invites the public to explore ocean issues and celebrate ocean culture. Fifteen themed pavilions will be animated by a wide range of organizations, each dedicated to a major ocean challenge: ocean education and literacy, the polar ocean and cryosphere, biodiversity and coral reef protection, sustainable blue food, marine innovation and more. Below are details and links for x3 Pavilions but you can find details on all the events here.
The European Digital Ocean Pavilion at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) will offer a unique opportunity for visitors to explore EU’s advancements in ocean knowledge and monitoring. Through a series of events and exhibitions from 2 to 13 June, attendees can discover cutting-edge EU assets and technologies. Located in the Green Zone – The Whale, the Pavilion is organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS) in partnership with the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation (DG RTD), the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE), and the Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), with Mercator Ocean International as the implementation partner.
From exhibitions and performances to workshops and conversations, the Beyond Borders pavilion brings together voices from across the world to explore the intersection of ocean, culture, and community.
As a pavilion of the Green Zone “La Baleine” – Beyond Borders: Ocean Futures offers visitors an immersive experience, highlighting how our collective choices impact the ocean and how the ocean impacts us.
The space showcases a diverse range of pioneering projects, including IOC initiatives to demonstrate the powerful role ocean literacy plays for a sustainable ocean future. OFB highlights France’s commitment, illustrating active and participatory biodiversity protection. The Biodiversity Gateway coordinated by CNR-ISMAR presents cutting-edge science and community engagement aimed at ecosystem resilience across Italy and Europe.
Pavilion organisers: UNESCO-IOC, the French Biodiversity Agency (OFB), and the Italian National Research Council (CNR-ISMAR). With the support of: Government of Angola, Fondation ENGIE.
The Ocean Basecamp is an initiative of the Oceano Azul Foundation, launched for the first time at the United Nations Ocean Conference in 2022 in Lisbon. In 2025, it returns under the name of Next Generation: Ocean Basecamp – a larger, more ambitious and more successful version of the initial concept.
This new edition reflects the evolution of the initiative: strengthened international partnerships, a sharper program and a renewed commitment to promote actions in favour of the ocean from the field. Originally designed as an open and inclusive space for civil society organisations, the Ocean Basecamp offers a platform for NGOs to present their work, dialogue and build collaborative solutions for ocean protection.
In 2025, the Ocean Basecamp is evolving to become a true global forum for exchange and influence, co-organised by internationally renowned partners – Ocean and Climate Platform, RISE UP, Seas At Risk, Fauna & Flora and Surfrider Foundation Europe – alongside the Oceano Azul Foundation.
Together, they propose a targeted and action-oriented program, responding to the most pressing challenges of the ocean and promoting concrete solutions with tangible benefits, both for the ocean and for the communities.
Voices of Ocean Action
Join us in the European Digital Ocean Pavilion on 3 June for full day (10:30-18:00) of inspiring sessions showcasing how citizen science, digital tools, ocean literacy and global networks are advancing ocean knowledge and sustainability. From hands-on projects and research to inclusive community engagement, discover how diverse actors are shaping the future of our ocean.
This gathering aims to foster collaboration, showcase transformative actions, and inspire collective progress towards a healthier ocean. You can tune in both in-person and virtually. To join us in person you just have to come along to the The Green Zone “La Baleine”, but give youself plenty of time to enter the Palais des Expositions as there could be queues or pre-register here.
Illuminating the Future of Twilight Zone
FROM 11:30 – 12:15 IN LA BALEINE, SALLE MANTA
In collaboration with the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative and the Early Career Ocean Professionals Programme, we invite you to join a unique discussion to co-develop priorities for the future of the Twilight Zone across science, policy, and practice with a new generation of ocean leaders. We will demonstrate that the Twilight Zone, the largest ecosystem on our planet, offers vast opportunities for conservation, sustainable use, and inclusive governance.
Join us for the Blue Citizen Hackathon Award Ceremonies and inspiring Video Screening Sessions!
Hosted by the ECOP Programme’s Ocean Literacy Task team, the Blue Citizen Hackathon is an online challenge for young ocean advocates, early career professionals, students and storytellers working on ways to make the global treaty to protect the High Seas, the BBNJ Agreement, more accessible to the general public through video storytelling. The challenge started in May with a series of workshops and will host an online and in-person award ceremony and several video screenings at UNOC3, open to the public. Partner organisations include: International Ocean Institute, Youth and Environment Europe (YEE), World Ocean Day, High Seas Alliance, PAVE, Nausicaa Centre National de la Mer and 71 Blue, Manta Trust.
📅 Online on 9 June during V.ECOP Days and in-person on 13 June at UNOC in Nice — plus catch powerful ocean stories at our video screenings throughout the week!
Advancing Asia's Science-Policy-Society Interface: Regional Priorities and Tangible Actions
Join ECOP Asia on June 7 from 11:30 to 12:15 in Room Manta, Green Zone (“La Baleine”) for a dynamic moderated panel discussion titled “Advancing Asia’s Science-Policy-Society Interface: Regional Priorities and Tangible Actions.” This session brings together leading voices from across Asia to explore how science, policy, and society can better connect to drive impactful ocean action. Moderated by Camille Rivera (Oceanus Conservation, Philippines) and Shenghui Li (Guangdong Ocean University, China) — both members of the core ECOP Asia team — the panel features insights from Yuntao Wang (Second Institute of Oceanography, China), Vinitaa Apte (TERRE Policy Centre, India), and Mary Jane Lamoste (Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Philippines). With a room capacity of 80, this session will include an engaging Q&A with the audience. Organized in partnership with Oceanus Conservation, TERRE Policy Centre, Guangdong Ocean University, Sustainable Ocean Alliance, and the Office of the Youth in Maritime, this is a must-attend event for those passionate about regional collaboration and action for a sustainable ocean future.
Right Right Right! Widening ocean literacy to best support ocean sustainability transition
Join Towards IPOS for a moderated discussion on ocean policy and governance literacy for knowledge providers!
Along with panellists they will address key questions such as:
- Can better understanding of ocean policy and governance help deliver more targeted ocean literacy for decision-makers?
- Which essential building blocks of ocean policy and governance need to be understood by knowledge providers, including ECOPs?
- Which actions are required to produce and facilitate access to sound knowledge on ocean policy to guide ocean literacy efforts and make them more impactful
Beyond Borders Pavillion – La Baleine (Green Zone), Thursday, 12th June 2025, 11:00 – 12:00
4 years of the UN Ocean Decade Programme for Early Career Ocean Professionals: Achievements, Insights and Ways Ahead
Join us in “La Baleine” on 12 June for a side-event featuring UN Ocean Decade ECOP Programme node coordinators and task team leads. It will take place in the Medusa room, at 10:15-11:00 – all are welcome!
Members of our team will introduce the tools and approaches that the ECOP Programme has successfully implemented since its inception in 2021 up until June 2025. These include the networking structure of the Programme featuring over 7,200 members in 166 countries, 50+ nodes, 6 task teams; databases; stakeholders’ maps, and the Ocean Literacy Series, showcasing successful examples of Ocean Literacy projects around the world to foster collaboration.
Ocean Literacy Practices: Knowing, Feeling, Acting for the Ocean
Taking place on 12 June, at 13:00-14:00 in the Beyond Borders Pavilion, this joint side-event co-organized by the ECOP Programme, EU40cean and MENA Oceans will showcase Global Ocean Literacies in Action, by highlighting a range of projects and practices from Asia, Middle East, Africa, North, Central & South America, and Europe.
Through a series of 3 panels-Knowing, Feeling and Acting— and audience engagement, the event will weave a narrative of collaboration and offer tangible support on how to build a deeper and multi-dimensional connection with the ocean through diverse knowledge systems, emotional resonance, activism, advocacy and inclusive partnerships.
Join us to explore how to know, feel and act for the Ocean!
Empowering Youth Voices to Make Waves for the BBNJ Agreement
This side event on 12 June in the Beyond Borders Pavillion at 18:00-19:00, aims to increase understanding of the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and explore how the youth can help facilitate its entry into force. An intergenerational dialogue featuring young ocean advocates, Early Career Ocean Professionals, a French negotiator and BBNJ experts will address the urgent need for ratifying and implementing the Agreement and youth participation in the process.
Click the graphic above to enlarge.
With 2,000+ expected scientists, the One Ocean Science Congress is the scientific pillar of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
The objectives of the Congress are to provide Heads of State and Government and society at large with a comprehensive understanding of the health and future trajectory of the ocean, its conservation and sustainable use, and the benefits it provides to humanity.
Click here to view and download the full timetable of events.
The following sessions will be available as live streaming on YouTube:
- Opening session – 3 June, 09:00–10:00: Open stream on YouTube
- Keynote – 4 June, 10:30–12:00: Open stream on YouTube
- Keynote – 5 June, 10:30–12:00: Open stream on YouTube
- Keynote – 6 June, 08:30–10:00: Open stream on YouTube
A team of multilingual early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs) have been selected to observe and amplify the key scientific messages shared during the event, using their unique perspectives and networks.
- Mascha Canaux – PhD student in eco-poetics and marine biology at the University of Angers and the University of Perpignan Via Domitia, France/Germany (German)
- Noémie Coulon – Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecology at the University of Montpellier, France (French)
- Pedro de la Patellière – Master’s degree holder in marine biology from the University of Algarve, France/Portugal (Portuguese)
- Charlene Erasito – PhD student in marine biology at the University of Western Brittany and IFREMER, Fiji (English)
- Joelle Habib – Postdoctoral researcher in marine ecology at Sorbonne University, Villefranche Marine Station, Lebanon (Arabic)
- Rhea Thoppil – PhD student in marine ecology at Sorbonne University, Banyuls-sur-Mer Marine Station, India (Hindi)
- Anastasia Tarasenko – Postdoctoral researcher in physical oceanography at Nantes University, Russia (Russian)
- Clara Tomé – Master’s degree holder in environmental law from Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain (Spanish)
- Xinyu WANG – PhD student in coastal hydrodynamics at the University of Technology of Compiègne, China (Mandarin)
Their Role:
Communicate Key Insights: They will share important takeaways from the Congress in their native languages, including Arabic, English, French, German, Hindi, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Social Media Updates: Expect 4-5 posts per day on popular social media platforms relevant to their regions.
Simplify Complex Topics: They will spotlight significant scientific discussions, transforming complex subjects into engaging, accessible content.
Town Hall: Capacity Development in the UN Ocean Decade ECOP Programme
Join the UN Ocean Decade’s Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme on June 4 for a lunchtime Town Hall to explore our Programme’s capacity development strategies and actions that for sure will be interesting for you! We will then have a moderated discussion with you – our audience! Based on the results of our surveys and the discussion about inclusivity in the ocean sector during our co-organized satellite event at the UN Ocean Decade Barcelona Conference in April last year, we identified these key barriers: visas, funding issues & funding vacuum, and language.
Join us for a truly engaging discussion to come up with feasible solutions to ensure accessible capacity development opportunities!
Click the graphic above to enlarge.
Each morning, a plenary session will be held, during which UN member states will make statements on their commitment to the Ocean. Dialogues involving the member states, UN organizations and representatives of civil society (NGOs, scientists, companies) will be held each morning and each afternoon.
These dialogues, the “Ocean Action Panels” will allow the engagement of different actors, the creation of coalitions and projects in favor of the Ocean. They will anchor the Conference in action by proposing concrete solutions with all its participants.
The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference will comprise 10 Ocean Action Panels.
The Panels will be collaborative and multi-stakeholder in nature and will focus on commitments and actions to support the implementation of Goal 14, including through strengthened cooperation, building on existing successful partnerships and stimulating innovative and concrete new ones, taking into account the theme of the Conference.
The themes of the 10 Ocean Action Panels are listed below.
• Ocean Action Panel 1: Conserving, sustainably managing and restoring marine and
coastal ecosystems including deep-sea ecosystems.
• Ocean Action Panel 2: Increasing ocean-related scientific cooperation, knowledge,
capacity building, marine technology and education to strengthen the science-policy
interface for ocean health.
• Ocean Action Panel 3: Mobilizing finance for ocean actions in the support of SDG14.
• Ocean Action Panel 4: Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all
kinds, in particular from land-based activities.
• Ocean Action Panel 5: Fostering sustainable fisheries management including
supporting small-scale fishers.
• Ocean Action Panel 6: Advancing sustainable ocean-based economies, sustainable
maritime transport and coastal community resilience leaving no one behind.
• Ocean Action Panel 7: Leveraging ocean, climate and biodiversity interlinkages.
• Ocean Action Panel 8: Promoting and supporting all forms of cooperation, especially
at the regional and sub regional level.
• Ocean Action Panel 9: Promoting the role of sustainable food from the ocean for
poverty eradication and food security.
• Ocean Action Panel 10: Enhancing the conservation and sustainable use of oceans
and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in the UNCLOS.
Click here to access the 10 Ocean Action Panels concept papers.
Over 1,250 side event proposals were received, demonstrating strong global interest and engagement for UNOC3. Side events will be held in three formats: 1) at the Conference venue (Blue Zone), 2) at various off-site locations across the city of Nice, and 3) virtually across multiple time zones.
Join UNOC3 online with V.ECOP Days
V.ECOP Days 2025 will take place on 9-10 June 2025, in conjunction with the UN Ocean Conference 2025. The program comprises live reports from mobile journalists who will be in Nice, a breakfast corner and a side event organised at the research vessel Meteor in the harbour of Nice, as well as online contributions from ECOPs around the world to implement the UN Ocean Decade and SDG 14. The livestream will be global.
Fill out this form to register for the V.ECOP Days 2025 livestream. You will receive an e-mail with the log-in details a few days before the event.
Stay in the loop via social media
The team from SeaVoice Magazine are also heading to the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice. Their goal is to shine a light on the voices and stories that don’t always make it to the main stage.
From community-led solutions to ocean justice, we’ll be covering it all—through interviews, creative collabs, and more.
Join them over on Instagram and if you want to connect or co-create with them, get in touch!
Tag us when you post on Instagram: @ecop _programme so we can amplify your posts in Nice too!
