Nice, France – 9 June 2025
On the occasion of World Oceans Day, Ghana proudly joined world leaders, scientists, and stakeholders at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, currently underway in Nice, France, from 9–13 June 2025. The Conference is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica under the theme:
“Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.”
A high-level Ghanaian delegation is attending the global event, led by Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, and Hon. Emelia Arthur, Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture . The Ministers were joined at the opening ceremony by:
Hon. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs
Hon. Kwame Dzudzoli Gakpey, Vice Chairman of the Committee
Hon. Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member of the Committee
Ghana’s strong presence at the Conference reflects its continued dedication to protecting marine ecosystems, promoting sustainable fisheries, and strengthening blue economy initiatives at both national and international levels.
A Global Call to Protect the Ocean
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference is a pivotal platform to advance Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources. The Conference seeks to:
Accelerate the implementation of SDG 14 through concrete and urgent actions
Strengthen global partnerships and build on existing legal and institutional frameworks
Encourage inclusive collaboration among governments, UN agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, academia, private sector actors, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities
Assess global progress and identify opportunities and challenges in achieving ocean sustainability
Powerful Messages from World Leaders
Speaking at the opening ceremony, French President Emmanuel Macron underscored the urgent moral responsibility to protect the ocean, stating:
> “Protecting our ocean today is not just an ecological imperative, but a moral one. Only through urgent and united action can we ensure a healthy, thriving planet for generations to come.”
He further emphasized the need for science-led, multilateral approaches and called on the global community to work toward the 30×30 target—protecting 30% of the world’s ocean areas by 2030.
Echoing these sentiments, Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles delivered a passionate appeal, describing the ocean as “the most vast and vital resource we share.” He remarked:
“Without the ocean there would be no life on earth… I’m not being dramatic.”
“Vision without action is just hallucination.”
Ghana’s Role in Global Ocean Governance
Ghana’s participation at this high-level conference is a testament to its leadership in ocean governance across Africa and its commitment to climate-resilient fisheries management, marine biodiversity conservation, and blue economy development. As a coastal nation, Ghana recognizes the central role of healthy oceans in securing food, jobs, and resilience for millions of its citizens.
As deliberations continue throughout the week, Ghana will engage in technical sessions, side events, and diplomatic consultations aimed at forging stronger partnerships for marine sustainability.
