The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), a landmark global summit dedicated to advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development" will take place in Nice, France, from 9 to 13 June 2025.

Ahead of the main conference, the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC), the scientific pillar of UNOC, is being held from 3 to 6 June, convening the global ocean science community to share knowledge and provide scientific input to ocean-related policy and decision-making.

The European Polar Board (EPB) is pleased to be participating in this important international event. Please find below a selection of highlighted side events: 
 

• 7 June | 11:15–13:15 | Cryosphere Pavilion
  Discussion on Strategic Milestones and Governance for the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences 2025–2034
  
  Session description: Following the UN resolution declaring 2025–2034 the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, UNESCO is leading efforts to address the accelerating decline of glaciers, ice sheets, and permafrost. This cryospheric change poses major environmental, socio-political, and economic risks, yet remains overlooked in global agendas. A high-level brainstorming session in March 2025 gathered diverse actors to define priorities across research, adaptation, education, policy, and finance. This side event at UNOC3 will present those outcomes and open dialogue on next steps and governance for the Decade.
  
  EPB Executive Secretary, Maria Grigoratou, will join this session as a panelist.
   
• 9 June | 10:15–11:20 | Cryosphere Pavilion
  UNESCO International Science Dialogue on Cryospheric Changes in the Arctic and Antarctica 
  
  Session description: This high-level event convened by UNESCO aims to strengthen global scientific cooperation on polar cryospheric change. Bringing together experts from around the world, the dialogue will assess current transformations in the Arctic and Antarctica, identify shared challenges, and explore opportunities for joint action. The outcomes will contribute to a draft roadmap and a strategy paper guiding long-term international collaboration on polar science.
  
  EPB Executive Secretary, Maria Grigoratou, will join this session as a panelist.
   
• 9 June | 15:00–18:50 | European Digital Ocean Pavilion
  EU Takes Action: The EU & Policies
  
  Session description: This afternoon session, hosted at the Digital Ocean Pavilion, is dedicated to the recently launched EU Ocean Pact - a new initiative by DG Maritime Affairs & Fisheries (DG MARE) to promote sustainable ocean management.

  The session will feature in-depth presentations, technical showcases, and stakeholder engagement opportunities, combining institutional perspectives from the European Commission with insights from the broader ocean community. It aims to translate political ambition into practical implementation.
  
  More information: https://www.digitaloceanpavilion.eu/content/the-eu-policies
   

• 10 June | 10:00–12:00 | Quai Riboty, Port Lympia
  Arctic Future Pathfinders – A Journey Through the Northwest Passage

  Session description: The event is hosted by UiT The Arctic University of Norway and Memorial University of Newfoundland. For the first time, the sailing vessel Statsraad Lehmkuhl will navigate the Northwest Passage, carrying 120 students and around 40 researchers from UiT and partner universities. Three students will be present in Nice to share the vision and plans for the journey. The event will be honored by the presence of HRH Crown Prince Haakon.

  The event brings together political leaders, researchers, Indigenous representatives, youth, and civil society to discuss the far-reaching impacts of Arctic climate change, the role of Arctic communities and Indigenous knowledge in sustainable futures, geopolitical shifts and their global implications, and how knowledge, innovation, and cooperation can drive solutions.
  
  More information: https://uit.no/tavla/artikkel/878792/arctic_future_pathfinders_a_journey_through_the
   

• 10 June | 13:00–15:00 | RV Meteor, Port of Nice
  Polar Science, Climate, Biodiversity – Synergies of International Science Collaboration

  Session description: This special side event, co-organised by Antarctica InSync, the Tara Ocean Foundation, and the European polar infrastructure network POLARIN, will take place aboard the German research vessel RV Meteor, docked in the Port of Nice.

  The event will bring together scientists, policymakers, and civil society representatives to explore the critical role of the polar oceans in regulating Earth’s climate and preserving global biodiversity. The Arctic and Southern Oceans serve as major heat and carbon sinks, drive oceanic and atmospheric circulation, and host some of the planet’s most unique and productive ecosystems. However, their increasing vulnerability due to rapid warming and ice loss underscores the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation.
  
  More inofrmation: https://www.antarctica-insync.org/upcoming-side-event-aboard-rv-meteor-to-highlight-the-importance-of-international-collaboration-in-polar-science/