From June 2 to 13, 2025, Nice becomes the global center of maritime governance. France, along with Costa Rica, is organizing UNOC-3 there. Between diplomatic negotiations and public events, the event highlights a commonly forgotten public good: the ocean.
In the next fifteen days, the climate issue will be at the heart of discussions in Nice. From climate to food, the ocean plays a central role in the great balances of the planet. It produces more than half of the oxygen we breathe, absorbs nearly a third of COโ emissions, and nourishes over three billion human beings. Yet, it is under numerous pressures: overfishing, pollution, warming, and biodiversity degradation.
In the face of these threats, the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, will be held in Nice. It will bring together states, researchers, NGOs, citizens, and companies around a common goal: better protecting this vital space.
Several highlights will mark these two weeks. From June 9 to 13, official delegations will gather to discuss decisions to be made in favor of the ocean. A venue for exchange and discovery called “The Whale” will open to the public from June 2. Installed at the Palais des Expositions, it will offer exhibitions, workshops, and debates until June 13.
The program of “The Whale” is aimed at all generations. Sixteen pavilions will address major themes: biodiversity, climate change, innovation, artistic creation, and citizen mobilization. Nearly 1,000 events are planned.
Another significant moment: the arrival of ambassador boats for ocean preservation on June 2 at the port of Nice. They will remain accessible until June 15. On June 8, for World Oceans Day, a great parade called “Ocean Wonders” will be organized.
On June 6, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., activities will raise public awareness of endangered marine species. A drone show will take place in the evening, visible from the Quai des รtats-Unis and a part of the Promenade des Anglais. On June 7, two conferences will address coral reefs and illegal fishing, with participation from researchers and specialized NGOs.
A month of meetings and reflection
Around UNOC-3, Nice is deploying a “Year of the Sea”. In June, the Ocean University offers a series of meetings open to all. Conferences, screenings, and exchanges will be organized in several venues: the CUM, LโArtistique, the Palais des Expositions.
On June 3, the screening of Pลmare IV, une reine en hรฉritage will address the cultural and political links between indigenous peoples and the ocean. On June 4, science fiction will serve awareness with the program OcรฉanoFuturismos. On June 10, the magazine Historia will propose a roundtable on the sea as a human adventure.
Finally, several sessions will focus on the protection of the underwater heritage. The DRASSM, a public operator of underwater research, will make multiple appearances to present its work and partnerships.
By hosting UNOC-3, Nice becomes a place of global debate as well as local mobilization. The event aims to remind us that the ocean concerns each of us. As the official campaign states: “We are the Ocean”.
The entire program can be found here: https://anneedelamer.nice.fr/
