Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, said the discussions and outcomes of the forum would further support the sustainable use and management of Maldivian waters.
The conference, which took place from 9 to 13 June 2025, brought together global leaders, scientists, and stakeholders from civil society and the private sector under the theme of advancing action for the protection of the world’s oceans. Minister Thoriq, along with the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam, represented the Maldives at the biennial event.
According to Minister Thoriq, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to align national priorities with global ocean goals, especially in the context of small island developing states (SIDS). “The conference explored the sustainable management of the Maldives’ marine resources and outlined future plans,” he said, highlighting the role of ocean diplomacy in enhancing domestic capacity.
A special side event hosted by the Maldives during the conference examined the specific challenges facing the country’s marine environment and discussed potential responses with international participants. “The side event was very well received. We believe this event will contribute to the protection and sustainable use of the Maldives’ marine environment,” Minister Thoriq noted.
The Ocean Conference, first convened in 2017, is part of the UN’s efforts to support the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14) — life below water. The 2025 edition included ten thematic sessions on key issues such as illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, marine pollution, climate change impacts on coastal communities, and high seas governance.
For the Maldives, a nation whose economy, identity, and food security are closely tied to the ocean, the forum remains a critical venue for shaping international frameworks that impact local livelihoods. The country’s advocacy often focuses on marine biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable fisheries.
Minister Thoriq also welcomed the progress made in advancing the Convention on the Protection of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), often referred to as the High Seas Treaty. He said the number of signatories has now reached 50, with a goal of reaching 60 within the year to enable the treaty’s formal implementation. The Maldives was among the first countries to sign the treaty, which aims to close gaps in ocean governance beyond exclusive economic zones.
As climate-related threats intensify, including coral bleaching, sea-level rise, and overexploitation of marine resources, the Maldives continues to position itself as a leading voice among SIDS at multilateral forums. Participation in the UN Ocean Conference, and the initiatives launched on its sidelines, reflect a broader national strategy to secure sustainable international partnerships while strengthening domestic ocean stewardship.
