- PM Manele leads push for ocean action and Pacific voices at UNOC 3 in Nice
The Solomon Islands joined world leaders and ocean champions at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), officially opened yesterday in Nice, France, with a call for urgent and united global action to safeguard the ocean and marine life for future generations.
Leading the delegation, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ unwavering commitment to global ocean stewardship, ensuring that the concerns and aspirations of coastal and island communities are front and centre in international ocean policy.
Held under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and runs throughout the week. It brings together governments, scientists, civil society, and regional organizations in a critical moment for ocean action.
A major highlight for Solomon Islands is its co-hosting of the high-level side event titled:
“Advancing SDG14.4 – A Call to Action Toward 2030 and Beyond: Building on the Honiara Summit.”
This event builds on the historic Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4, held in February 2025, and focuses on sustainable fisheries, ending IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing, enhancing regional cooperation, and embracing ocean science.
The side event is being held in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), FAO, SPC, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean.
“For us in the Pacific, the ocean is our identity, our economy, our heritage, and our future,” PM Manele said during his address. “We are not only participants, but protectors.”
Key issues to be addressed include the role of science in fisheries management, the use of data and monitoring technologies to track and prevent IUU fishing, and the potential of international instruments like the BBNJ Treaty to strengthen ocean governance.
Solomon Islands will also hold bilateral meetings and high-level dialogues to push for Pacific-centered solutions to climate change, ocean health, and sustainable livelihoods.
The Solomon Islands delegation continues to stress that ocean protection is more than a global duty — it is vital to the sovereignty, wellbeing, and survival of Pacific peoples.
“Our voices must not only be heard — they must shape the future of our ocean,” PM Manele affirmed.
