France and Bloomberg Philanthropies Announce U.N. Ocean Conference Partnership to Advance Global Ocean Conservation Efforts
Partnership announced with France’s Presidential Envoy for UNOC3, the City of Nice, and CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies during New York Climate Week
New York – Today, the Government of France and Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a partnership to support the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, in June 2025, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. UNOC3 comes ten years after the historic Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted at COP21 in Paris. The conference will build on the same spirit to accelerate action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, including new contributions toward the global goal of protecting at least 30% of the ocean and land areas by 2030 (30×30) – especially those crucial for biodiversity.
“In June 2025, France, together with Costa Rica, will be hosting the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice. We will need concrete solutions and commitments to enhance the power of our ocean to fight climate change,” said French President Emmanuel Macron. “Multi-partnerships for the Ocean will serve as a testament to the collective strength achieved when we unite, mobilizing the necessary funding to support on-the-ground actions and drive progress for our ocean and our planet.”
The announcement was made by Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies and France’s Presidential Envoy and Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, alongside Costa Rica’s Presidential Envoy and Ambassador Gina Guillen at an ocean philanthropy roundtable on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week.
“To win the fight against climate change, we need to protect the health of our oceans,” said Patricia E. Harris, CEO of Bloomberg Philanthropies. “By partnering with President Macron and the French government, we can help the billions of people who rely on healthy oceans for food and jobs, while also helping to lead the charge against the climate crisis.”
France and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ partnership will bring together public and private leaders from around the world to help accelerate the ratification of the High Seas Treaty, a landmark agreement adopted by governments last year that will enable the designation of protected areas on the high seas. It will also prioritize unlocking ocean financing and building momentum for safeguarding the world’s ocean, with a focus on supporting coastal communities and cities grappling with rising sea levels. Additionally, it aims to implement Sustainable Ocean Plans to help ensure all ocean areas under national jurisdiction are sustainably managed by 2030. Other areas of focus include the ‘100% Alliance’ which will bring together countries and partners to make bold commitments to protect, restore, and sustainably manage the ocean. Led by the government of France, this campaign will lead the charge for ambitious global action leading up to UNOC3 and beyond.
Since its launch in 2017, the United Nations Ocean Conference has established itself as the leading global platform for advancing the conservation, protection, and sustainable use of the world’s ocean. Bringing together UN member countries, world leaders, international organizations, civil society, businesses, and donors, the conference seeks to replicate the success of the Paris Agreement for the ocean.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has been a global leader in turbocharging these efforts, working to address the most pressing threats to the ocean, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. At UNOC2 in Lisbon, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $1 billion pledge in collaboration with eight of the Protecting Our Planet Challenge philanthropic partners to support ocean conservation and the creation, expansion, and management of marine protected areas. Additionally, Bloomberg Philanthropies joined the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, pledging $8 million to leverage private investments for coral reef resilience.
Since 2014, the Bloomberg Ocean Initiative has invested over $366 million to protect critical ocean habitats and further the 30×30 ocean target. Through partnerships with research institutions, advocacy organizations, and local governments in countries like Australia, Indonesia, Chile, the U.S., and beyond, Bloomberg Philanthropies has helped implement over 100 new policies protecting 10.8 million square miles of ocean. This work has not only focused on preserving biodiversity but also on ensuring that the billions of people who rely on healthy oceans for food, jobs, and livelihoods can continue to thrive.
Held in Nice, a UNESCO City of Art and History facing challenges like sea-level rise, the event reflects the ambitious goals set by French President Emmanuel Macron to bolster international efforts to safeguard our oceans and will aim to drive commitments to establish a blue new deal. Attendees will include heads of state, government officials, civil society leaders, private sector representatives, scientists, and ocean advocates from over 150 countries.
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About Bloomberg Philanthropies:
Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Threads, Facebook, and X.
Media Contact:
daphne@bloomberg.org