Muscat: The United Nations (UN) expressed hope that the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) will serve as a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action and mobilize all stakeholders across sectors and borders to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.

According to Oman News Agency, UNOC 3, co-organized by France and Costa Rica, is scheduled to take place in Nice from June 9 to June 13, 2025. During a press briefing, Li Junhua, head of the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, highlighted the critical state of the ocean, describing it as the planet's life-support system in a state of emergency. He cited rising temperatures, acidifying waters, plastic pollution, disappearing habitats, and overexploitation of resources as pressing issues.

Junhua emphasized that despite the dire situation, there is still an opportunity to change course through collective action. The conference will conclude with the adoption of the "Nice Ocean Action Plan," a concise and action-oriented declaration, along with new and expanded voluntary commitments. This plan is intended to serve as a collective blueprint to advance Sustainable Development Goal 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using ocean, seas, and marine resources.