Speech by President von der Leyen at the opening plenary session of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
Dear Secretary-General António Guterres,
I salute our distinguished hosts,
Distinguished guests,
Thank you very much for bringing us together here at this stunning coastline, an ocean we have all seen. It inspired painters like Matisse and Chagall and many more. But we all know that the Ocean is so much more than just inspiration; it is life. It feeds us, cools us, and connects us to the world. Together, we have taken many important steps to protect our Ocean. Today, we can celebrate the first results but at the same time, we must step up our efforts. Because the Ocean is still in crisis. Without action, we risk our future.
So, I want to be very concrete. Let me give you three examples where Europe takes action:
First of all, when France hosted the One Ocean Conference in Brittany three years ago, it built global momentum for the High Seas Treaty. And we all know the Treaty is a crucial instrument to protect our Ocean beyond borders. And indeed, we made it – the Treaty was agreed and adopted. And today, we are inches away from the 60 signatures for ratification. So, to bring the High Seas Treaty to life, Europe will contribute EUR 40 million to the Global Ocean programme. So, I ask you all today: Please speed up ratification. Because our Ocean needs us to play its part.
The second announcement from Europe today is the incredible Digital Twin of the Ocean. I announced it three years ago in Brest. Today, we proudly present the first demonstration version. It is an amazing tool that helps us better understand the Ocean, from pollution to navigation, from risks for our coasts to biodiversity, you name it. And we will not stop here. We have heard the call from France and others to invest heavily in Ocean research. So, building on the Digital Twin, we launch a new Ocean Observation Initiative. It will give vital data to everyone who relies on the ocean, and it will help to make Europe a global leader in ocean science, technology and security. I call on all countries here today to join Europe in this mission.
And finally, we will this afternoon present the Ocean Pact of the European Union. It is the first ever pact for the ocean in the European Union. If we all play our part, we can save our ocean. As Jacques Cousteau once said: ‘The sea, the great unifier, is man’s only hope. Now as never before, we are all in the same boat.’ But by working together we can make it happen to have a good future of the ocean. It is in our hands.
Thank you so much.
