World leaders to convene in France for UN summit on ocean threats

World leaders to convene in France for UN summit on ocean threats
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World leaders are gathering in Nice, France, for a UN Ocean Conference aimed at addressing critical threats to the world’s oceans, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change, Arab News reported. The summit, running five days, expects around 50 heads of state. French President Emmanuel Macron will host events to promote ocean conservation, including a maritime parade and a summit dinner featuring Mediterranean fish.

The conference faces pressure to deliver concrete actions, particularly funding to protect 30% of the oceans by 2030—a target far from being met, with only 8% currently protected. Pacific Island nations seek increased financial support to combat rising seas and marine resource depletion.

Key issues include banning destructive bottom trawling fishing methods and pushing for moratoriums on deep-sea mining, with France leading these efforts. However, the absence of the U.S. delegation and geopolitical tensions raise concerns about the summit’s effectiveness in producing binding agreements.