Nice, France, 9 June 2025 – His Highness the Aga Khan joined Heads of State and government leaders from around the world for the launch of the third UN Oceans Conference, which was hosted by the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, in Nice.

Under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. This is in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically SDG 14, which states: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”

The conference brings together over 60 countries as well as intergovernmental organisations, international financial institutions, NGOs, civil society organisations, academic institutions and other actors committed to supporting the oceans.

The Ismaili Imamat and its institutions work closely with France in multiple areas of activity, and AKDN is a Knowledge Partner of the Conference. Drawing on decades of experience in supporting coastal communities, the Aga Khan Foundation is implementing the Indian Ocean Coastal Regeneration Initiative in India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan and Tanzania, to strengthen the livelihoods of millions of coastal residents and protect and restore 100,000 hectares of coastal ecosystems.

His Highness the Aga Khan said, “We have a shared responsibility to care for our oceans, which cover three quarters of the Earth’s surface. As part of the fight against climate change, our institutions are helping to ensure the protection of these precious natural resources.”

Prince Hussain Aga Khan, His Highness’s younger brother and an avid conservationist with a life-long commitment to protecting wildlife, was also present. A collection of his stunning underwater photographs is being exhibited in Nice during UNOC. “It was an honour for me to have my photographs displayed at UNOC and to join my brother and the AKDN Delegation as well as conservation partners gathered to try to solve the biggest problems facing the oceans today,” commented Prince Hussain.