WASHINGTON, DC — ON June 9, as the world marked World Ocean Day 2025, global leaders emphasized the urgent need to protect the oceans by minimizing pollution and combating climate change — especially in support of small island states and their blue economies.
Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, urged stronger backing for small island developing states so they can better harness the potential of their marine resources.
“Small island developing states need support to build resilience and thrive in the blue economy. Many struggle to access healthy, affordable food. Underscoring the urgent need to restore local fisheries and strengthen ocean-based food systems,” he told the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
He highlighted the critical role of maritime security as a foundation for sustainable development. "And we must embed ocean priorities across climate, food systems, and sustainable finance. Because without a healthy ocean, there can be no healthy planet.”
The theme for World Ocean Day this year, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” aimed to spotlight the ocean’s importance not just for food and trade but for overall sustainability.
Addressing the conference, Guterres stressed the need for a long-term vision to safeguard the seas, drawing attention to past successes such as the global moratorium on commercial whaling — which allowed whale populations to recover. “When we protect marine areas, life returns.”
“Today, we have the opportunity to restore marine abundance. What was lost in a generation can return in a generation. The ocean of our ancestors, teeming with life and diversity, can be more than a legend.”
He also pointed to growing global awareness about the interconnectedness of preserving biodiversity, combating climate change, and stopping pollution. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets a bold goal to conserve and manage at least 30% of marine and coastal areas by 2030.
Member states also adopted the historic Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. “I urge all delegations to ratify it,” Guterres said, welcoming the momentum generated by President Macron and the conference toward its swift entry into force.
He called on countries to agree on an ambitious and legally binding treaty on plastic pollution within the year. “It is also essential to successfully conclude the Agreement on Fisheries currently discussed at the World Trade Organization. The International Maritime Organization committed to reach net-zero emissions from shipping by 2050.”
Reflecting on last year’s General Assembly meeting on sea level rise, Guterres reaffirmed that statehood and sovereignty must not be undermined by rising seas. “This proves multilateralism works, but only if we match words with action. By developing concrete national plans aligned with global targets. By harnessing science, driving innovation, and ensuring fair access to technology. By empowering fishers, indigenous peoples, and youths. And above all, by investing.”
