The high-level 2025 UN Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) was held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.
The conference had three priorities:
1. Work towards the successful completion of ocean-related multilateral processes to raise the level of ambition for ocean protection
2. Mobilising funding for SDG 14 and supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy
3. Strengthen and better disseminate marine science knowledge for better policy-making
The Nice Ocean Action Plan, composed of a declaration as well as a list of voluntary commitments from stakeholders, will be adopted following international discussions during the conference.
Ipieca at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
Ipieca Nature Senior Manager Dr. Polly Hill participated in the launch of the Malta Manifesto, an urgent call to protect people and planet from oil pollution caused by shipwrecks left by two World Wars. As an official side event of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, the event set out the Malta Manifesto’s priorities for action, and shared insights from industry, civil society and UN agencies leaders on how they can be achieved.
Ipieca support for health oceans
Ipieca brings together members and stakeholders to share knowledge and develop good practice guidance to avoid, manage and mitigate impacts on oceans and coastal communities.
Support for the SDGs is one of eight Ipieca Principles, which are a condition of membership. SDG 14 is identified as a priority goal for the industry in the Ipieca-WBCSD SDG Roadmap.
Decarbonising shipping
Ipieca works closely to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) work to decarbonise the maritime industry, providing technical expertise across a range of areas to identify good practices and develop industry guidance.
Marine spill preparedness and response
Ipieca has produced almost 60 guidance documents and resources to help prevent, prepare for and respond to spills. The joint Ipieca-International Maritime Organization (IMO) Global Initiative support oil spill coordination, training and response capacity in over 80 counties around the world.
Contributing to the Global Biodiversity Framework
Support for the UN Convention for Biological Diversity, which established the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), is a condition of Ipieca membership (one of eight Ipieca Principles).
The GBF includes the ‘30 x 30’ target which calls for the protection of 30% of the worlds terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030 and a target on the sustainable management of aquaculture.
Most Ipieca nature guidance is aligned with the GBF targets and includes guidance on protecting and enhancing marine life and operating near protected areas.
