The Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, participated in the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, from June 9 to 13 in Nice, France.

The conference drew over 15,000 participants, including around 60 Heads of State and Government representatives, alongside businesses and civil society groups, to advance global action on ocean conservation and sustainable maritime practices.

Held under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”, the event addressed key issues such as sustainable shipping, marine biodiversity protection, deep-sea mining, and the blue economy.

One of the notable developments was progress on the High Seas Treaty, with 18 new ratifications recorded, bringing the total to around 50.

The treaty is expected to reach the 60-country ratification threshold by September 2025.

The conference also emphasised the maritime sector’s role in addressing climate change.

Discussions focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, promoting energy-efficient technologies, and transitioning to cleaner fuels.

Marine pollution, especially plastic waste and pollution from shipping activities, was also a major concern.

The concept of the blue economy featured prominently, highlighting sustainable economic activities such as tourism, renewable ocean energy, and fisheries.

On deep-sea mining, 37 countries expressed support for a moratorium, ahead of key negotiations at the International Seabed Authority in July 2025.

Participants underscored the importance of robust ocean governance frameworks to support global cooperation on maritime issues.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali and Ghana’s Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, Emelia Arthur, held bilateral talks with Brazil’s Foreign Minister to discuss shared interests, including developments at the International Seabed Authority.

The conference concluded with the Nice Ocean Action Plan—a framework combining political declarations with over 800 voluntary commitments from governments, scientists, and civil society.

UNOC3 reaffirmed the urgency of protecting marine ecosystems and advancing sustainable maritime policies through global collaboration.