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UNOC3 Side Event #ID 88
Strengthening Transparency and Enforcement in Fisheries Governance from Coastal Waters to
the High Seas
Thurday, 12 June 2025 |
08:45 - 10:00 |
Room 3
Championing Transparency in Fisheries Governance
Strengthening legal instruments: An African Perspective for the World Ocean
Background
The high-level 2025 United Nations 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) will be held in Nice, France, from 9 –13 June 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference, comprising an opening segment, ten plenary sessions, ten Ocean Action Panels and a closing segment, aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean. The Conference shall adopt, by consensus a brief, concise, action oriented and intergovernmentally agreed declaration, which along with a list of voluntary commitments, will be referred to as “Nice Ocean Action Plan”.
The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations,indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14.
Objectives of the Side Event
Promote dialogue on innovative legal frameworks to enhance enforcement against IUU fishing from coastal waters to the high seas.
Present African-led initiatives and experiences in advancing international fisheries governance.
Explore the feasibility of a new Advisory Opinion request to ITLOS related to fisheries transparency and enforcement.
Announce a new voluntary commitment to the Ocean Action Platform aligned with SDG 14.
What are UNOC-3 side events?
UNOC-3 side events
In parallel to the official program, a limited number of high-level side events is organized by UN Member States, UN entities, International Organizations (IGOs), and all accredited stakeholders. These side events are designed to offer additional spaces for registered participants to collaborate, share knowledge, and accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 and the 2030 Agenda in general. Participants have the opportunity to discuss critical issues, exchange best practices, foster partnerships and promote international cooperation. Side events also provide opportunities to showcase voluntary commitments registered, or which will be, on the Voluntary Ocean Commitments database
Drafting of talking points and background note
3 June 2025
Delivery of side event
12 June 2025
Submission of event summary
4 July 2025
Coming Soon
Co-organizer: Sub-Regional Fisheries Commission (SRFC)
Lead Organization: Islamic Republic of Mauritania
