Guterres calls for an end to ocean ‘plunder’ as UN summit opens in France
9 June 2025 - With the Mediterranean glittering in the background, UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the Third United Nations Ocean Conference on Monday, delivering a blunt indictment of humanity’s fractured relationship with the sea.
UN Ocean Conference opens with calls for urgent action to safeguard the health of the ocean
9 June 2025 – The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of France and Costa Rica, opened today in Nice with strong calls to accelerate action and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.
Humans can't survive without a healthy Ocean: UN envoy
6 June 2025 - The Ocean is in deep crisis. Factors such as acidification, declining fish stocks, rising temperatures and widespread pollution are contributing to a catastrophic decline in biodiversity: over half of marine species are at risk of extinction this century.
The world’s oceans are dying. Can a UN summit in Nice turn the tide?
5 June 2025 - As coral reefs bleach, fish stocks collapse, and sea temperatures break records, world leaders are heading to the French Riviera — not for leisure, but for one of the most urgent diplomatic gatherings of the year.
Young innovators redefining sustainability—from the ground up
6 June 2025 - When Joseph Nguthiru got stuck in a boat due to invasive water hyacinth while on a class trip, he didn't just see an obstacle—he saw an opportunity. His company, HyaPak, now transforms this invasive species into biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastics.
3 things you should know about global efforts to save our ocean
5 June 2025 - All eyes will be on Nice, France, on 9-13 June 2025, when the international community will gather for the third UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. As climate change, plastic pollution, and overexploitation of marine resources pose serious threats, here are three things you should know about global efforts to turn the tide towards a healthy ocean.
ECOSOC events to look out for in June 2025
5 June 2025 - In June, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) will convene a series of key meetings focused on humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding.
Germany’s Annalena Baerbock elected President of the 80th General Assembly
2 June 2025 - Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected President of the General Assembly’s 80th session on Monday. Her appointment comes as the regional group that includes Western Europe takes its turn at the helm of the world body.
Milestone moments to protect the ocean, ensure online safety and secure financing for a sustainable future
2 June 2025 - This year, UN DESA is leading milestone events aimed at advancing sustainable development for all. Many of them are lining up this month, bringing together the international community to focus on promoting a healthy ocean, our digital future and unlocking financing to deliver the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UN aims to transform urgency into action at Nice Ocean Conference
27 May 2025 - The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) from 9-13 June will bring together Heads of State, scientists, civil society and business leaders around a single goal: to halt the silent collapse of the planet's largest – and arguably most vital – ecosystem.
UN DESA Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua joins online community on LinkedIn
28 May 2025 - “At the United Nations, we represent diverse voices connected by a shared purpose: building a more inclusive, equitable and sustainable world. I’m glad to join LinkedIn as part of this community and look forward to the rich and scholarly discussions around the most pressing global issues of our time,” said UN DESA’s Under-Secretary-General Li Junhua as he joined the platform on 28 May 2025.
Climate and development leaders and experts identify integrated solutions at 6th Global Climate and SDG Synergy Conference in Copenhagen
27 May 2025 - Integrated solutions to the climate emergency and sustainable development crisis are being advanced by government leaders and civil society experts...
Sixth global conference to promote synergies between climate and the SDGs
- How can governments and other key players urgently act on the climate crisis in a way that maximizes sustainable development and the achievement of the SDGs?
Champions for Change: World football teams up with UN development goals
- Football unites fans worldwide – but on Wednesday it matched the sport’s global reach with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In the lead-up to World Football Day, marked on 25 May.
UN High-level Advisory Board gears up for Bangkok meeting
20 May 2025 - A new group of distinguished members of the United Nations High-level Advisory Board on Economic and Social Affairs (HLAB) is preparing to embark on the third term of the Board, with a two-day meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.