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Solomon Islands Joins Global Leaders as UN Ocean Conference Officially Opens in France

By Eliza Kukutu

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PM Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Foreign Affairs Minister, Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, SPM, Dr Mataki and Deputy Chair of Caucus, Hon. Penross Maenu at the opening ceremony of UNOC3 in Nice, France.

NICE, France – Monday, 9 June 2025 — The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) officially opens today in Nice, France, bringing together world leaders, regional organizations, scientists, and civil society actors to advance urgent action for the protection and sustainable use of the ocean.

The Solomon Islands delegation led by Hon. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele is participating in the conference as part of its ongoing commitment to global ocean stewardship, ensuring that the interests and voices of its people — particularly those in coastal and island communities — are reflected in global ocean decision-making.

Under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the week-long conference is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. It will feature plenary sessions, interactive dialogues, and side events focused on delivering solutions for ocean health, sustainable fisheries, climate resilience, and marine biodiversity.

One of the key events for Solomon Islands at UNOC 3 is the high-level side event titled “Advancing SDG14.4 – A Call to Action Toward 2030 and Beyond: Building on the Honiara Summit.” This event is co-hosted by the Solomon Islands Government, the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Pacific Community (SPC), and the Office of the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.

This event builds on the outcomes of the Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4, held in February 2025 in Solomon Islands. The summit marked a significant milestone in accelerating global efforts to conserve and sustainably use fisheries resources, with a focus on the role of science, regional cooperation, effective monitoring and surveillance, and international partnerships.

The SDG 14.4 side event at UNOC 3 will highlight the Pacific Islands region’s response to SDG Target 14.4 and the role of regional fisheries bodies, the use of science and data in managing sustainable fisheries and addressing climate change impacts, challenges and innovations in monitoring, control and surveillance to combat IUU fishing, he relevance of international frameworks, including the BBNJ Treaty, in strengthening ocean governance, opportunities for strengthened partnerships to sustain fish stocks and ocean-based livelihoods.

Throughout the week, Solomon Islands will also engage in bilateral meetings and high-level dialogues focused on regional priorities. These efforts aim to ensure that ocean policies reflect the daily realities and aspirations of Pacific communities that rely on marine ecosystems for food, income, culture, and resilience.

The Solomon Islands delegation continues to emphasize that ocean protection is not only a global responsibility — it is central to the wellbeing, sovereignty, and sustainable future of Pacific peoples.

ENDS//

– OPMC PRESS SECRETARIAT

TopicsEnvironmentFisheriesGovernmentUNOC
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