On the second day of UNOC3, a high-level reception celebrating momentum to celebrate the progress made and renew commitments to this historic agreement was held at Ocean House on the shores of Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat co-organised by Blue Marine Foundation, High Seas Alliance and IUCN.
As we approach a critical juncture for the High Seas Treaty, this event was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together with ambition.
The 10 June evening brought together high-level representatives from governments, civil society, Indigenous Peoples, science, philanthropy and international organisations. The event offered a moment of reflection, recognition and shared ambition for the next chapter of High Seas protection.
Speakers and their highlights included:
Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, highlighting the EU’s continued leadership to ocean governance;
Minister Kang Do Hyung, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea, reaffirmed Korea’s support for swift ratification and implementation of the Treaty;
Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, who stressed the importance of collaboration in safeguarding areas beyond national jurisdiction;
Solomon Pili Kahoʻohalahala, Indigenous leader who highlighted the vital role of Indigenous knowledge in ocean stewardship and offered a traditional chant to inspire and energize continued action; and
HSA Director Rebecca Hubbard, who emphasized the collective efforts and momentum built over the past two years in the #RaceForRatification.
The evening closed with a beautiful musical performance by Whaia.