MONACO – As global momentum builds toward the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in June 2025, the Principality of Monaco will play a pivotal role by hosting the Blue Economy and Finance Forum, a special event formally recognised by the UN. Scheduled to take place on 7–8 June 2025 at the Grimaldi Forum, the forum will precede the main UNOC proceedings, which are to be held in Nice from 9–13 June.
The initiative was formally launched on 18 March 2024 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by the French Organising Committee for UNOC 2025, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. This tripartite agreement establishes a collaborative framework for organising the event, underlining the shared commitment to advancing ocean sustainability.
The United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, aims to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which seeks to “conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” The Blue Economy and Finance Forum is positioned as a key prelude to this diplomatic summit, providing a focused platform for financial mobilisation and strategic dialogue.
The forum will be held under the co-chairmanship of Pascal Lamy, former Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and H.E. Ilana Seid, Ambassador of Palau to the United Nations and co-chair of the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy. The event is being organised with the endorsement of Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the President of the French Republic, and with the support of Ambassador Laurent Stefanini, Secretary-General of the UNOC, and Jean d’Haussonville, Ambassador of France to Monaco.
Bridging the ocean financing gap
At the heart of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum lies a critical objective: addressing the growing financial disparity between traditional maritime industries and the emerging sustainable blue economy. While maritime activities remain central to global trade and development, the blue economy emphasizes regenerative and ecologically sustainable uses of marine resources. This includes sectors such as renewable ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, marine biotechnology, and conservation finance.
The forum will serve as a catalyst to mobilise both public and private capital. It aims to convene stakeholders across a wide spectrum—including businesses, financial institutions, insurers, philanthropic foundations, development banks, and government agencies—to identify scalable financing solutions that align with SDG 14.
Designed to go beyond theoretical discussions, the event will focus on actionable strategies and real-world investments. Particular attention will be paid to countries and coastal regions most vulnerable to climate change and ocean degradation, with the aim of channelling resources where they are most urgently needed.
At its conclusion, the Blue Economy and Finance Forum will issue a set of recommendations designed to inform and influence deliberations during the UNOC diplomatic negotiations in Nice. These recommendations will reflect the insights and priorities of diverse actors across the public and private sectors.
By hosting this landmark event, the Principality of Monaco reinforces its long-standing leadership in ocean conservation and sustainable finance. The Forum is not only a testament to Monaco’s environmental diplomacy but also to its strategic role in fostering dialogue between conservation goals and the imperatives of economic development.
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