UNESCO to Spotlight Ocean Education at 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice
UNESCO to Spotlight Ocean Education at 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice
UNESCO is set to host a high-level side event at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on 9 June in Nice, France, bringing global attention to the power of ocean literacy and education in creating a sustainable and resilient future.
Titled “Blue Education for a Sustainable and Resilient Society”, the official Blue Zone UNESCO side event is organized by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and supported by the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB) and the Governments of France, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Sweden, Philippines, Grenada and Portugal. The event will bring together representatives from government, science, education, and the private sector to discuss how education at all levels can drive long-term, meaningful change for the ocean and for society.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay will open the session, which will feature a high-level segment with ministries and institutional representatives and a panel showcasing innovative ocean literacy practices from around the world. The conversation will focus on integrating ocean education into national curricula, promoting inclusive approaches to marine learning, and supporting youth, educators, and communities as agents of change.
Why ocean education?
The ocean is central to life on Earth. It regulates our climate, supports economies, and sustains cultures. Yet, ocean health is deteriorating rapidly due to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Education — formal, informal, and community-based — is a key tool to foster stewardship, change behaviour, and empower new generations to protect our blue planet.
There is no sustainable ocean without an ocean-literate society. Building a sustainable relationship with the ocean requires societies to be ocean-literate. Individuals and institutions alike need to be equipped with the knowledge, values, and tools to understand and care for the ocean. Understanding is the first step toward meaningful, lasting action.
Please note: this is a Blue Zone-accredited event. Participants must already have valid UN Ocean Conference Blue Zone accreditation to access the venue. There is no need to register for this event, as seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Since seating is limited, it is best to arrive at the venue early to reserve a spot.
The side event is part of UNESCO’s broader efforts under the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), promoting science, culture, and education as pillars of ocean stewardship and resilience.
