The coastal city of Nice is set to host the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) from June 9 to 13, providing a major platform for Morocco to amplify Africa’s voice in advancing a sustainable and inclusive blue economy. With its ambitious national roadmap, Morocco aims to position itself as a key actor in ocean governance and marine conservation across the continent.
Morocco will co-chair the high-level “Africa for the Ocean” summit alongside France on the opening day of the conference. This event will bring together heads of state, senior government officials, and international representatives to discuss how Africa can tap into its ocean resources for development—while ensuring sustainable marine governance. Key topics include financing resilient infrastructure, managing fish stocks, strengthening regional maritime connections, and launching strategic ocean partnerships tailored to the continent’s priorities.
In the lead-up to UNOC-3, a high-level workshop was held last month in Bouknadel, near Rabat, organized by the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection in partnership with the French embassy in Morocco. The event gathered African leaders, international organizations, scientists, youth advocates, and civil society to align their priorities and showcase joint African and Moroccan initiatives in ocean sustainability. This workshop also reinforced Morocco’s commitment to intergenerational and international cooperation, underlining the need for a unified African voice at the global stage.
Participants focused on key priorities for the Nice summit, including strengthening scientific understanding of the oceans, increasing investment in sustainable blue economies, and improving protection of marine ecosystems through inclusive multilateral frameworks. Zakia Driouich, Morocco’s Secretary of State for Maritime Fisheries, emphasized the country’s integrated legal and strategic approach to ocean governance. This includes marine spatial planning, the development of marine protected areas, and firm action against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.
Morocco’s proactive stance is also reflected in its early ratification of the landmark treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), making it one of the first nations to support this crucial agreement. The BBNJ treaty, which aims to protect marine life in areas beyond national jurisdictions, is a top priority at UNOC-3. According to French officials, the conference represents a pivotal moment to secure the 60 ratifications needed for the treaty to come into force.
The summit will also prioritize mobilizing both public and private funding to support sustainable blue economies—ones that balance economic growth, job creation, and ocean protection. Decarbonizing maritime transport, responsible for 90% of global trade, will be another major focus. France has expressed hopes that UNOC-3 will pave the way toward carbon neutrality in the shipping industry by 2050, with the participation of key players and the International Maritime Organization.
Additionally, the summit will emphasize the critical role of marine science in shaping effective policy decisions. From climate change and biodiversity loss to marine pollution and overfishing, the conference will address the full spectrum of ocean-related challenges. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC-3 will welcome over 50 heads of state and more than 1,500 delegates from nearly 200 countries. The program includes ten plenary sessions, ten thematic roundtables, and a series of parallel forums—all aimed at accelerating global ocean action.
Following previous editions in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), this year’s conference is expected to mark a turning point in global ocean governance. With Morocco at the forefront, representing African interests, UNOC-3 stands as a unique opportunity to reshape the planet’s marine future amid escalating environmental pressures.
