A high-level delegation from the Andalus Committee had the distinct honor of participating in the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice from June 9–13, 2025.

This pivotal conference focused on advancing the BBNJ treaty, with key priorities including the regulation of deep-sea mining and the fight against illegal fishing. It was also an opportunity to attend the General Assembly debates, featuring powerful addresses from UN Secretary General António Guterres, French President Emmanuel Macron, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Lula, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Beyond the plenary sessions, our delegation engaged in side events and high-level panels, where we had the pleasure of exchanging with leaders such as Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves, Prince Albert II of Monaco, DRC Environment Minister Ève Bazaiba, and Morocco’s UN Ambassador Omar Hilale. The Andalus Committee remains strongly committed to placing ocean protection at the heart of North–South and South–South cooperation. 

A heartfelt thank you to Olivier Poivre d’Arvor for his kind invitation, and to the entire UNOC3 organizing team for a remarkable event. Congratulations to our outstanding delegation members — Azzedine Lahlou, Anass Bettaieb, Faustine Avril, and Ernestine Cruse-Phillipe — whose dedication and expertise will help pave the way for new international partnerships.

Photo credit: Élias Ménager