This Monday, June 9, the Third United Nations Conference opened in Nice. On this occasion, Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech in which he rallied the more than sixty heads of state and delegations present.
“If the earth is warming, the ocean, meanwhile, is boiling,” Emmanuel Macron reminded this morning, at the launch of the Third United Nations Conference in Nice. A striking phrase that kicks off proceedings. More than sixty heads of state, delegations, and scientists are present in Nice this week to find solutions to preserve the oceans. Emmanuel Macron set the tone this Monday morning.
The High Seas Treaty
Emmanuel Macron did not wait for the news. This Monday morning, the President of the Republic announced the adoption of a high seas treaty. A text of paramount importance.
“Thanks to the fifty countries that have committed and the fifteen countries that have pledged to join them in the coming weeks, this high seas treaty will be implemented, it is therefore a success,” declared Emmanuel Macron this morning. As a reminder, this treaty aims to combat the exploitation of deep-sea resources in the high seas and illegal fishing. A victory for the French president, who had made this text, signed in 2023, a priority. It required sixty ratifications from UN member states to come into force. This is now accomplished. UNOC can establish itself as a lever of action for the ocean.
Words against the United States
Speaking on Monday morning at the launch of UNOC was also an opportunity to reaffirm his position regarding the United States, particularly on the Greenland issue.
“The depths are not for sale, and no more than Greenland is for sale, no more than Antarctica or the high seas are for sale,” asserted Emmanuel Macron. A phrase that echoes Donald Trump’s expansionist declarations in recent months. A firm stance from the President of the Republic, even though no American delegation is present in Nice for this UN conference. “The first response is multilateralism,” E. Macron reiterated.
“Rather than rushing to Mars, we will launch Neptune, the largest oceanographic mission ever organized, starting in 2026,” reiterated the president, blending critiques of American policy with ambitious declarations.
Meeting with the Chinese Vice President
Apart from these statements, Emmanuel Macron also met with the Chinese Vice President Han Zheng. An important meeting, as China’s influence in the oceans has considerably increased in recent years. It is a player with whom negotiations are now essential.
“Keep the Chinese with us,” explained Emmanuel Macron a few days before the beginning of UNOC. This meeting with the Vice President this morning illustrates that approach.
“Africa for the Ocean” Summit
Emmanuel Macron then went to the Palace of the Sardinian Kings in Nice to meet with the Moroccan Princess Lalla Hasnaa. Together, they opened the summit “Africa for the Ocean,” organized as part of UNOC.
This summit provides an opportunity to discuss the development opportunities for Africa in connection with marine resources. It’s an important region of the world in terms of ocean governance and their protection. “Africa has an important role to play in preserving our oceans. Thank you to Morocco for leading the way,” stated the French president on his social media.
For the French president, the fight for the oceans is on all fronts. He reminded us that this conference is, first and foremost, a victory against “international disengagement.”
