Stakeholders
2025 UN Ocean Conference
General
In accordance with paragraph 4 of A/RES/78/128, the 2025 UN Ocean Conference should involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14.
Participation of representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders at the UN 2025 Ocean Conference is guided by A/RES/78/128.
Opportunities for stakeholder’s participation in the preparations for and during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference will be posted on this webpage.
Sign up here to receive regular updates and information about the 2025 UN Ocean Conference
Stakeholders Participation
Please visit this website regularly for updates on the registration process for representatives of accredited stakeholder organizations to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
Participation of representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference is guided by A/RES/78/128.
Organizations that fall under the following categories will be able to request registration to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and its preparatory meeting (July 2024):
Non-governmental organizations and major groups identified in Agenda 21 and other stakeholders in consultative status with ECOSOC. You can check if your organization has consultative status with ECOSOC here.
Organizations that were accredited to any of the following previous United Nations’ conferences (please, check here for a consolidated list of specially accredited organizations):
- World Summit on Sustainable Development
- the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
- the intergovernmental conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction,
- the United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
- the Review Conference on the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks,
- the international meeting entitled “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity”.
- The 2017 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
- The 2022 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
- United Nations conferences on the sustainable development of small island developing States (SIDS):
- Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, 26 April-6 May 1994, Bridgetown, Barbados;
- International Meeting to Review the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, 10-14 January 2005, Port Louis, Mauritius; and/or
- Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 1-4 September 2014, Apia, Samoa.
- 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 27 – 30 May 2024, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
- Organizations that receive special accreditation to attend the 2025 UN Ocean conference:
Registration of Representatives of accredited Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholder entities
Registration to representatives of accredited NGOs and other stakeholders will open soon. Please, check this page for updates.
All representatives of accredited NGOs and other stakeholder organizations must register to attend the Conference. Only registered participants can access the Conference venue.
New! Each accredited organization will be able to register up to 5 representatives to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
Important Note: The United Nations does not charge any fees for participation in its conferences and events. Please remain vigilant if you are asked to make a payment to participate in the Conference or if you receive any communications that appear fraudulent. If you encounter such requests, kindly report them to unoc2025@un.org.
2nd Round of Special Accreditation Process for the UN 2025 Ocean Conference - Closed!
As guided by resolution A/RES/78/128, other non-governmental organizations, civil society and youth organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders whose work is relevant to the Conference, and are not in consultative status with ECOSOC or accredited to the previous United Nations Conferences mentioned above, must receive special accreditation in order to participate in the Conference and the preparatory meeting as observers.
The second (and final) round of Special Accreditation to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference closed on 13 December 2024.
12 February 2025 update – Outcomes of 2nd Round now available - The President of the General Assembly has shared the final list of nongovernmental organizations, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, civil society and youth organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders, which have received accreditation to participate in the 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development as observers. Please, check the letter and final list here: https://www.un.org/pga/79/2025/02/11/letter-from-president-general-assembly-on-unoc3-special-accreditation-for-csos/
1st Round of Special Accreditation for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference - Closed
The first round of Special Accreditation to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference closed on 22 March 2024
Outcomes of first round of special accreditation are available here
Organizations in consultative status with ECOSOC whose statuses have been suspended by the UN NGO Committee will not be allowed to request registration or seek special accreditation to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, irrespective of previous accreditation to past UN Conferences.
Online Consultations
Stakeholder Inputs to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration
Read the key topics and recommendations here!
Non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors were invited to contribute substantive inputs to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration.
Inputs will address the question below:
Please list up to three key actions that focus on areas of accelerated and collective action to support the implementation of SDG 14 and that could be considered by Member States for inclusion in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference Declaration.
Deadline for submission was 29 November 2024.
The key topics and recommendations are now available! Read the report here.
Learn more about this consultation, including all the detailed responses received from stakeholders: https://sdgs.un.org/basic-page/stakeholder-inputs-2025-un-ocean-conference-declaration-56840
Global Online Stakeholder Consultation – Inputs to Ocean Action Panel’s Concept Papers
Summary Report and Extracts now available!
Between 26 July and 30 August 2024, UN DESA conducted a global online stakeholder consultation to compile inputs for the concept papers of the Ocean Action Panels. Information about the consultation was widely disseminated through mailing lists, UN official websites, social media, and a dedicated webpage.
Contributions from stakeholders were sought regarding substantive inputs for the Ocean Action Panels, addressing main challenges, transformative actions, opportunities, and potential areas for new partnerships to advance the implementation of SDG 14.
More than 400 inputs were received from stakeholders based in 90 countries.
A Summary report with key messages from the global online stakeholder consultation is now available here. Additionally, extracts from each of the Ocean Action Panels as well as all responses received from stakeholders are available here.
For details, please, check this page: https://sdgs.un.org/basic-page/UNOC3-Global-online-stakeholder-consultation
Webinars
Multi-Stakeholder Informative Webinar on the UN 2025 Ocean Conference
A multi-stakeholder informative webinar was held on 19 March 2024 to share information about the 2025 UN Ocean Conference with all stakeholders, and to hear about their expectations and key messages in the lead up to the Conference.
For more information about the webinar, including recording and relevant materials please, check: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/event/stakeholder-webinar-1.
Preparatory Meeting
2 July 2024 - Preparatory Meeting Stakeholder Participation
Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference, 2 July 2024, UNHQ, New York, NY
As mandated in the General Assembly resolution 78/128, the President of the General Assembly convened a preparatory meeting, on 2 July 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York, which was chaired by the two host countries of the Conference, Costa Rica and France, to consider the themes for the Ocean Action panels and elements for the declaration, taking into the call by Member States for a brief, concise, action-oriented and intergovernmentally agreed declaration.
Participation of representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference was guided by A/RES/78/128.
Non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholder organizations that fall under the categories indicated here were able to request registration to attend the Preparatory meeting of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in person. Deadline for registration was 14 June 2024. 387 representatives from accredited non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders registered to attend the preparatory meeting.
Speaking Slots
The Secretariat conducted an open call with all registered stakeholders to indicate their interest in delivering short remarks during the Preparatory Meeting. 55 applications were received. 14 stakeholders delivered oral interventions during the preparatory meeting. The Secretariat also compiled a few written inputs. All statements are published here.
More information about the Preparatory Meeting for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference is available here.
FAQ
1) Who can participate in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Participation of representatives from non-governmental organizations, major groups and other relevant stakeholders at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference is guided by A/RES/78/128.
Organizations that fall under the following categories will be able to request registration to attend the 2025 Ocean Conference (9 – 13 June 2025, Nice, France):
1. Non-governmental organizations and major groups identified in Agenda 21 and other stakeholders in consultative status with ECOSOC. You can check if your organization has consultative status with ECOSOC here.
2. Organizations that were accredited to any of the following previous United Nations’ conferences (please, check here for a consolidated list):
· World Summit on Sustainable Development
· the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development
· the intergovernmental conference on an international legally binding instrument under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction,
· the United Nations Conference on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks
· the Review Conference on the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks,
· the international meeting entitled “Stockholm+50: a healthy planet for the prosperity of all – our responsibility, our opportunity”.
· The 2017 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
· The 2022 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.
· United Nations conferences on the sustainable development of small island developing States (SIDS):
o Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, 26 April-6 May 1994, Bridgetown, Barbados;
o International Meeting to Review the Implementation of the Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, 10-14 January 2005, Port Louis, Mauritius; and/or
o Third International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 1-4 September 2014, Apia, Samoa.
o 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States, 27 – 30 May 2024, St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda
- Organizations that received special accreditation to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (please, see below):
2) My organization is not on the lists above – can we attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
As guided by resolution A/RES/78/128, other non-governmental organizations, civil society and youth organizations, Indigenous Peoples’ organizations, local and regional authorities, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations and other stakeholders whose work is relevant to the Conference, and are not in consultative status with ECOSOC or accredited to the previous United Nations Conferences mentioned above, must receive special accreditation in order to participate in the Conference as observers.
Please, check below for details about the Special Accreditation process.
3) How can I request Special Accreditation for my organization?
The first round of Special Accreditation for non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference was held between February and March 2024. Outcomes of the first round of special accreditation are now available here: https://sdgs.un.org/documents/finalngos-and-stakeholder-organizations-specially-accredited-unoc3first-round-55624
The second (and final) round of Special Accreditation to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference closed on 13 December 2024. Outcome of the 2nd Round of Special Accreditation is available here.
NOTE: Non-governmental organizations in consultative status with the ECOSOC or other entities listed on Question 1 (above) do not need to apply for special accreditation.
4) What information do I need to provide when submitting a request for Special Accreditation?
The Special Accreditation for Non-Governmental organizations and other stakeholders is now closed. Ad hoc applications will not be accepted.
For questions related to the Special Accreditation process, please, email: ngls@un.org with the subject: [Special Accreditation – 2025 UN Ocean Conference].
5) What is the process for Special Accreditation requests to be reviewed?
The Secretariat of the Conference reviews the relevance of the work of the organizations that apply for Special Accreditation on the basis of their background and involvement in the implementation and follow up of SDG 14. The President of the General Assembly then drawn up the list of recommended organizations and submits it to Member States for their consideration on a non-objection basis.
Once an organization or entity receives special accreditation, it will be able to register representatives to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference when registration is open. Approval of special accreditation does not automatically guarantee the organization’s participation in the Conference.
6) When will I know if my organization was specially accredited to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Outcomes of the 2nd Round of Special Accreditation are now available here.
7) I missed the deadline to apply for special accreditation - can I still apply to attend the Conference?
Only representatives of accredited organizations can request registration of representatives to attend the Conference. The Special Accreditation for NGOs and other stakeholders is now closed.
8) What is the difference between accreditation and registration for the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Organizations that are accredited by the UN can request registration of their representatives (individuals) to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. Details about registration will be shared in due time on the Conference webpage.
9) If my organization receives Special Accreditation to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, do I still need to register for the Conference? Can I just show a copy of the confirmation letter to participate at the Conference?
Special accreditation of your organization DOES NOT automatically mean registration of individuals to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference or its preparatory meeting. All organizations will still need to register their representatives to be able to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. Information about registration to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference will be published in due time at the Conference’s website.
10) My organization applied for special accreditation but is not included in the final list shared by the President of the General Assembly, can we still attend the Conference?
Organizations that did not receive accreditation to attend the Conference as observers will not be able to register participants to attend the Conference.
11) I do not belong to any organization. Can I attend the Conference?
Unfortunately, you cannot register to attend the Conference as an individual. Participants must be associated with an accredited organization in order to request registration and attend the Conference.
12) My organization has consultative status with ECOSOC. Do I need to register to attend the Conference?
Yes. All participants must register to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference.
13) How can I register to participate at the Conference?
Information about registration to the 2025 UN Ocean Conference will be published in due time.
Please, check this page for updates: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/stakeholders.
14) Do I need to pay to attend the UN 2025 Ocean Conference?
No. The United Nations does not charge any fees for participation in its conferences and events. Please remain vigilant if you are asked to make a payment to participate in the Conference or if you receive any communications that appear fraudulent. If you encounter such requests, kindly report them to unoc2025@un.org.
15) How many representatives can each organization register to participate at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Each accredited organization will be able to register up to 5 representatives to attend the 2025 UN Ocean Conference. Please, check this page for updates: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025/stakeholders.
16) Are funds available for stakeholders to participate at the at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Registered stakeholders are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs. The United Nations does not charge a fee for participation in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference or any of its official events.
17) I represent a city and/or a regional government. Can I participate at the at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Representatives of local and regional governments should register through their Member State delegation. Registration information for all categories of participants will be posted on the website：https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025
Accredited associations of local and regional governments including those in consultative status with ECOSOC will also be able to register participants.
18) Are there opportunities for stakeholders to speak during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Information on opportunities for delivery of remarks by stakeholders will be communicated to registered participants closer to the Conference.
19) Can NGOs and other stakeholders organize side-events at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?
Yes. Accredited organizations will be able to apply for side-events once the process is open. Information will be published on the Conference’s website.
20) I need a visa to enter France. How can I proceed?
It is the responsibility of the participants to check whether they need a visa to enter France. Registering for the UN Ocean Conference does not exempt participants from obtaining an entry visa to French national territory. Kindly note that visas cannot be issued on arrival. To inquire about the need for a visa, as well as all visa related matters/requirements, participants are invited to visit a French consular service or the France Visas portal at https://france-visas.gouv.fr/.
Participants in need of a visa are advised to submit their applications well in advance before departure from the country of origin. The minimum visa processing time is 3 weeks. Late submission may make it impossible to process the application in time.
The status of conference guest or participant also does not exempt participants from completing the visa application form and providing the supporting documents required by regulations. Note that the approval letter to be issued by the United Nations confirming your registration may be used as one of the supporting documents for visa application, but it does not guarantee entrance to France. Visa approval is subject to further review and process by the French authorities.
The visa is free for participants registered by the United Nations for the conference from 9 to 13 June 2025, however, fees may apply for the intervention of authorized local operators to support the logistical management of the submission of applications.
Do you still have questions?
Please, email: unoc2025@un.org with subject [Ocean Conference - Stakeholders]