Pacific Ocean Commissioner Dr Filimon Manoni has urged the region to take the lead in shaping global ocean governance, warning that the Pacific cannot afford to lose momentum ahead of the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France later this year.
Speaking at the opening of the UNOC3 Technical Meeting on Tuesday, Dr Manoni highlighted the importance of ensuring the Pacific’s voice is heard loud and clear at the global level, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) on ocean conservation and sustainable use.
“The UN Ocean Conference is a crucial process for the ocean and SDG14. Imagine if this process didn’t exist – the ocean would be reduced to just another agenda item at mainstream conferences like the Meeting of State Parties to the Law of the Sea Convention, the Fish Stocks Agreement Review Conference, or the UNFCCC,” Dr Manoni said.
“This process is something the Pacific should be geared up for as main proponents for SDG14’s creation, and as an opportunity where the ocean takes centre stage at the Global stage after every three years to hold the world accountable to the noble goals of SDG14. The continuation of the UNOC process is therefore a must as we cannot afford to lose this momentum,” he said.
Dr Manoni recalled that Pacific Islands Forum leaders, at their August 2024 meeting in Tonga, tasked him with coordinating regional preparations for UNOC3. This work, he said, must be as inclusive as possible, ensuring that all member countries are fully engaged.
“This UNOC3 Technical preparations is a crucial first part of our regional approach towards Nice in June. This pathway towards Nice is a journey where we must get everyone onboard.
“The presence of Members, Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) and Pacific Ocean Alliance (POA) is in line with the Leaders mandate on the UNOC 3 preparations and our discussions here this week and hopefully the ongoing work and collaboration will continue up until the Ocean Ministers Meeting to be held on 10 – 12 April 2025,” he said.
He noted that initial discussions took place in December 2024 with UN Special Envoy for the Ocean Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Resident Coordinator Dirk Wagener, and the French Ambassador to Fiji. This technical meeting, he added, was the next step in translating those discussions into concrete actions.
“As we gather here today, I am glad that through collaboration with CROP agencies, UNSW, the French Embassy, and other partners, we are putting into practice some of our plans to prepare for UNOC3 in Nice,” he said.
Dr Manoni laid out key priorities for the region as it prepares for the global event. He urged participants to take a technical approach and focus on delivering strong regional positions.
“I encourage us to treat this meeting as a true technical meeting where you are able to think aloud, be innovative and provide the technical and scientific aspects that often don’t see the limelight,” he said.
He outlined five core priorities for the meeting:
*Call on partners support to Members in terms of their national voluntary commitments.
*Possible ideas for regional voluntary commitments. I note the 2050 Strategy already has some regional collective actions which may be put into phased approaches.
*Reinforce our regional contributions towards the UNOC political declaration.
*Reflect on the opportunity to get our Minsters approve an Ocean Statement for endorsement by Leaders at UNOC.
*Set up partner coalitions to focus on Ocean Action Panel theme projects post UNOC3.
Dr Manoni emphasised that the discussions this week will feed into the Pacific Ocean Ministers Meeting, will be a crucial opportunity to refine the region’s positions ahead of the Nice conference.
“Basically, the Ocean Ministers will consider what we discuss this week and also the work that will continue between now and April. We will be presenting a concept and programme of this meeting later in the week and I will welcome your feedback as this may be the first Ocean Minsters gathering,” he said.
He also stressed the need for ongoing collaboration beyond the technical meeting, urging all stakeholders to remain engaged in the lead-up to both the ministerial meeting and UNOC3.
The UN Ocean Conference is scheduled to take place in June 2025 in Nice, France, bringing together world leaders, experts, and advocates to advance global ocean action.
