The Interreg NEXT MED Programme will participate in the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3), co-organized by France and Costa Rica in Nice from 9 to 13 June 2025. This high-level global event brings together governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.” Interreg NEXT MED will contribute to two events that showcase Mediterranean cooperation for a sustainable blue economy.
Mediterranean Leading the Way in Blue Economy
On 10 June, Interreg NEXT MED will join the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) side event titled “Charting the Path Towards a Sustainable Blue Economy: The Mediterranean Leading the Way.” This session runs from 14:00 to 16:00 CET at the ‘Centre Universitaire Méditerranéen’, located on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, within the Green Zone of the UNOC-3 venue.
Organized as part of the Mediterranean Day of UNOC-3, the event will spotlight the Mediterranean as a global frontrunner in sustainable blue economy efforts, highlighting progress in environmental protection, climate resilience, social equity, and sustainable growth.
As a listed contributor, Interreg NEXT MED will participate in the “Featured Grant Programmes” segment with highlights on supported projects delivering concrete blue economy solutions across the region.
Boosting Blue Skills and Ocean Literacy
On 11 June, the Programme will also contribute to the workshop on “Blue Skills & Ocean Literacy.” Organised by the EU WestMED Initiative under the Sea Basin Assistance Mechanism, the roundtable will take place from 10:15 to 11:15 CET at the UNOC Green Zone (‘La Baleine’ – Palais des Expositions de Nice), at the France-3 Oceans Pavilion in the area of the French Ministry of the Sea.
The session will explore how developing blue skills can support sustainable growth while protecting marine ecosystems. These priorities are shared across European sea basins, including the Western Mediterranean, and are key to achieving SDG 14. Regional institutions will present the latest developments in skills and ocean awareness initiatives. Interreg NEXT MED will showcase projects that promote education, training, and professional development related to blue skills.
Register to access UNOC Green Zone and attend the event
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