The United Nations Ocean Conference, held in Nice from June 9-18, marks a significant milestone in the global effort to protect and preserve our oceans. As part of this conference, Minister for Climate and the Environment Romina Pourmokhtari is participating alongside representatives from over 180 countries, including Sweden.
Sweden's delegation, led by Ms. Pourmokhtari, aims to strengthen the country's commitment to ocean conservation and sustainable use. The Government's 'A living sea – increased protection, reduced eutrophication and sustainable fishing' Bill, adopted in 2024, sets a clear direction for Sweden's marine environment policy, with a focus on reducing eutrophication and promoting sustainable fishing practices.
During the conference, Ms. Pourmokhtari will participate in several high-level events, including the Nordic Council of Ministers' event on regional cooperation, the Marine Environment Institute's event on scrubbing, and Business Sweden's event on Swedish solutions within ocean-based energy. She will also engage in bilateral meetings with representatives from various countries and international organizations.
One of the key outcomes expected from the conference is a political declaration, the Nice Action Plan, which emphasizes the importance of oceans and calls for additional measures to protect them. Sweden will contribute to this effort by developing voluntary commitments based on current initiatives relating to ocean issues, as well as relevant development assistance-related projects.
Sweden's involvement in international efforts to protect oceans dates back to 2017, when the country co-initiated the first Ocean Conference with Fiji in New York. Since then, the issue has gained significant traction, and Sweden remains a driving force behind global negotiations on biodiversity protection, including the UN Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BNNJ).
The European Commission will also present a European oceans pact during the conference, highlighting the EU's commitment to ocean conservation. This pact is expected to further strengthen international cooperation on ocean-related issues.
With the adoption of the Nice Action Plan and the development of voluntary commitments by Sweden, the country reaffirms its dedication to protecting the world's oceans for future generations.
Key Dates:
June 9-18, 2025: UN Ocean Conference in Nice
August 8, 2025: World Oceans Day
Follow-up:
on Sweden's participation in the UN Ocean Conference and its initiatives to protect the ocean, please visit <https://www.>