Core Points - The third United Nations Ocean Conference concluded in Nice, France, on June 13, emphasizing urgent action for ocean sustainability through the political declaration "Our Ocean, Our Future: Call for Urgent Action" [1] - The declaration reaffirms support for previous conference outcomes and highlights the importance of implementing the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement [1] - It also stresses the need for effective execution of the Convention on Biological Diversity and its protocols, particularly regarding marine-related goals [1] Funding and Goals - The declaration points out that Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on the protection and sustainable use of oceans, is one of the least funded goals, indicating a need for significant financial resources to accelerate global ocean action [1] - The conference included ten thematic discussions on marine action, covering topics such as the protection and sustainable management of marine ecosystems and funding for Sustainable Development Goal 14 [2] International Cooperation - A highlight of the conference was the progress towards the entry into force of the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which requires approval from 60 countries to become binding international law [2] - As of the conference, 50 countries had submitted their approval, with an additional 15 countries committing to do so [2] Participation and Objectives - The conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica from June 9 to 13, attracted 15,000 participants, aiming to prioritize ocean issues globally [2]

Core Points - The third United Nations Ocean Conference commenced on June 9 in Nice, France, focusing on promoting ocean protection and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 [1][3] - A key objective of the conference is to push for the ratification of the agreement on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which requires approval from 60 countries to become binding international law [3][5] - The conference highlights the urgent need for funding to support Sustainable Development Goal 14, which is currently one of the least funded goals [5][7] Group 1 - The conference agenda includes discussions on the challenges facing ocean protection, emphasizing the relationship between climate action, ocean health, and biodiversity loss [3][4] - French President Macron and other leaders stressed the importance of basing discussions on scientific evidence rather than subjective opinions, expressing strong support for marine research [3][4] - The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has faced significant cuts under the previous administration, raising concerns about the impact on marine research and multilateral cooperation [4] Group 2 - The conference includes a Blue Economy and Finance Forum aimed at addressing financing for ocean protection, with discussions on raising funds through financial institutions, private investments, and blue bonds [7][8] - The final declaration, known as the "Nice Ocean Action Plan," will address key issues such as funding, fishing practices, and deep-sea exploration [8] - The international community is urged to unite in addressing these challenges to restore the vibrant and diverse oceans of the past, as highlighted by UN Secretary-General Guterres [8]

Core Viewpoint - The upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference aims to accelerate actions and mobilize all stakeholders to protect and sustainably use the oceans, focusing on marine biodiversity, fisheries subsidies, and the "30 by 30" target [1] Group 1: Marine Biodiversity Protection - The conference will address the goal of obtaining 60 ratifications for the "Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction," which is crucial for its effectiveness [2] - As of June 5, only 32 countries or regions have ratified the agreement, indicating significant work remains to reach the target [2] - French President Macron emphasized the need for sustainable management of the high seas and the establishment of marine protected areas [2] Group 2: Fisheries Subsidies - The conference will push for the implementation of the "Fisheries Subsidies Agreement," which aims to curb harmful fishing subsidies and establish binding multilateral rules [3] - The agreement prohibits illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as subsidies for overfished species and fishing in unregulated high seas [3] - Currently, 101 out of the required 111 World Trade Organization members have accepted the agreement, with China being one of the early signatories [3] Group 3: "30 by 30" Target - The "30 by 30" target aims to protect at least 30% of global land and ocean by 2030, but only 2.8% of the ocean is currently assessed as potentially effectively protected [4] - Analysts suggest that financial tools like blue bonds and blue loans will be crucial to bridge the funding gap needed to achieve this target [4] Group 4: Conference Outcomes - The conference will aim to adopt a concise, action-oriented declaration known as the "Nice Ocean Action Plan," which will include voluntary commitments [5] - The success of the conference in achieving consensus and translating it into actionable steps will significantly impact future global ocean protection and sustainable use efforts [5]