# GPAP at the UN Ocean Conference 2025

Our Highlights |  9 - 13 June 2025, Nice, France


## About the UN Ocean Conference

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), co-hosted by the governments of France and Costa Rica, took place from 9–13 June in Nice, France, under the theme: “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.”Held every three years since 2017, this high-level conference brings together governments, businesses, scientists, and civil society to advance Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.


## Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

Every year, 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean, accounting for 85% of marine pollution.The World Economic Forum, through its Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) and Ocean Action Agenda, led a high-level programme to accelerate multi-stakeholder action, circular economy solutions, and cross-sector collaboration to tackle this crisis.Through targeted sessions and dialogue, we convened partners across policy, finance, and innovation to help fast-track progress toward a legally binding global agreement to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.


## Highlights from the Week


## Concluding a Global Plastics Treaty at INC-5.2: What’s Needed?

Opened by H.E. Edgardo Ortuño Silva, Minister of Environment of Uruguay, this high-level session gathered leaders from government, business, and civil society to build momentum toward a strong outcome at INC-5.2.Speakers included Dr. Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO, SC Johnson; Pierre-Yves Paslier, Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Notpla; Sara Edmonson, Global Advocacy, Fortescue and the Minderoo Foundation; and Ambassador Barbara Pompili, Ministère des Affaires étrangères, France.Together, they called for clear, binding global rules that apply to all businesses, enable innovation, and provide regulatory certainty. The session reinforced the importance of shared responsibility, ambitious commitments, and supportive policy frameworks.


## Protecting Marine Biodiversity from Plastic Pollution: A Path from Global Policy to Local Action

With over 1,500 species impacted by plastic pollution, this session emphasized the urgent need to integrate biodiversity protection into global plastic regulation. Speakers included Dr. Kirsten Schuijt, Director General of the global conservation organisation, WWF; Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN; Dr. Douglas McCauley, Director, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory; Joel Tasche, Founder, CleanHub; Mariglo Laririt, DENR Philippines; Katherine Danby, Director Sustainability Communications & Partnerships, Iberostar; and Erin Silsbe, Director for Environment and Climate Change Canada.Key messages focused on investing in science, restoring ecosystems, and scaling waste management solutions—particularly in the Global South. Local stories illustrated the real impacts of pollution, while Extended Producer Responsibility schemes showed early promise. The private sector and national funding commitments were seen as critical to translating global ambitions into tangible, inclusive outcomes.


## During this session, we were proud to announce the 20 winners of our Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative—champions tackling the interconnected challenges of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss across 9 countries.

[Meet the winners](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/biodiversity-small-funds-initiative)


## Data-Driven Solutions for Marine Pollution

Co-hosted with the United Nations Office for Sustainable Development (UNOSD) and the Republic of Korea, this session showcased the power of data in fighting marine pollution.  Accurate, accessible data is essential to drive collaboration, mobilize financing, and inform evidence-based policies. Speakers emphasized the importance of closing data gaps—especially in low-income countries—and pointed to Korea’s Blue Action Plan as a model for data-backed action.Speakers included H.E. Kang Do-Hyung, Minister of Fisheries and Ocean, Republic of Korea; Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction; Junu Shrestha, Senior Environmental Specialist, The World Bank Group; Ingvild Solvang, Director of Climate Action and Inclusive Development, GGGI; Janalezza Morvenna, Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP); Tiana Eva Razafindrakoto, International Expert in Economic Diplomacy, Indian Ocean Commission; Nassim Oulmane, Chief, Natural Resources, Green and Blue Economy Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; H.E. Chung Keeyong, Ambassador for Climate Change, Republic of Korea; and Chun Kyoo Park, Head, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, UNOSD.


## Extended Producer Responsibility to Protect Ocean Life

How can Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) protect ocean ecosystems while enabling circular, inclusive economies? This solutions-focused discussion brought together leaders from government, business, and regional organizations to share experiences in EPR design and implementation.Speakers included James Smith, Deputy Director for International Marine, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, United Kingdom; Jeremy Blake, Director of Circular Economy, Amcor; Anne-Sophie Michel, International Affairs Advisor, Citeo; Tiana Eva Razafindrakoto, International Expert in Economic Diplomacy, Indian Ocean Commission; and Axel Darut, Chief Executive Officer, Circulearth.They emphasized the need for evidence-based design, gradual implementation, and inclusive engagement—including with informal workers and Indigenous communities—to ensure long-term success.


## Shaping Inclusive Action: Building Innovative, Inclusive Partnerships to Implement a Global Plastics Treaty

This session spotlighted the importance of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in global plastic action and treaty implementation.  Speakers included Jeremy Blake, Director of Circular Economy, Amcor; Dr. Tegan Evans, Research Fellow at the University of Portsmouth Global Plastics Policy Centre; Ankur Shah, Executive Director, PlanetSapling and Director of Operations, Mycelium; Ruben Hazelzet, Creative Director and Founder, Captain Fanplastic; and Gareth Padfield, Head of International Marine Programmes and Strategy, Blue Planet Fund, United Kingdom. They highlighted the central role of informal waste pickers—especially women—alongside the need for youth engagement, inclusive policies, and stronger corporate accountability through ESG standards.GESI must be integrated from the start to ensure just and effective solutions for all.


### Looking Ahead: INC-5.2

The final round of negotiations to develop a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, will take place from 5–14 August 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.This is a pivotal opportunity to reverse the tide of plastic pollution and protect marine life, ecosystems, and public health.

[Learn more](https://www.unep.org/inc-plastic-pollution/session-5.2)


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