On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, the UN Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, France, will feature a pivotal side event titled “Mobilizing Youth and ECOPs: Showcasing Initiatives for Ocean Action.” Peace Boat is proud to partner with the Permanent Mission of Kiribati to co-organize a side event at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, co-hosted with the Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL).

About the Event

Held in the Blue Zone at Port Lympia (Room 1) from 12:15 to 13:30 CEST, this high-level side event will present inspiring programs that mobilize youth for ocean action through multi-stakeholder collaboration. It includes representatives from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) youth programs developed with Kiribati, AOSIS, Chile, and a broad network of NGOs.

Central to the event is the launch of the Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) — a bold, youth-led initiative uniting early-career professionals across science, policy, innovation, and civil society. Supported by the Greek and Dominican Republic governments, CEOL aims to accelerate inclusive ocean governance by building youth capacity and advancing policy engagement, with a focus on empowering young leaders from underrepresented and frontline communities tackling ocean, biodiversity, and climate crises.

What to Expect

The event will feature:

• Opening keynotes from high-level leaders including Kiribati’s Minister for Fisheries and Ocean Resources, H.E. Ambassador Ilana Seid (Palau), Chile’s Minister of Environment Maisa Rojas, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou (Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean), and Pascal Lamy, former WTO Director-General.
• The launch of CEOL, including announcements of the coalition’s goals and voluntary ocean commitments by ocean leaders Guillaume Lheureux, Peter Teye Busumprah, and Jessica Newfield.
• Two moderated panels exploring youth participation in ocean governance and networks, moderated by Pedro Dantas (CEOL) and Rebecca Daniel, showcasing voices from global youth organizations and ocean experts.
• Closing reflections from Peace Boat founder Yoshioka Tatsuya and Jonathan Delance from the Dominican Republic Ministry of Environment.

Why This Matters

Youth and early career ocean professionals are critical to shaping the future of ocean governance and sustainable blue economies. This event not only highlights successful models of intergenerational collaboration but also amplifies pathways for youth-led innovation, equity, and resilience in tackling global ocean challenges.

Moderators

• Emilie McGlone (Executive Director Peace Boat US), who brings decades of experience in youth engagement and global ocean advocacy.

• Electra Delavogia (CEOL), a leading voice for emerging ocean leaders driving change through collaborative action.

Join Us

This event is an unmissable opportunity for policymakers, young leaders, scientists, and ocean advocates to connect, learn, and commit to scaling youth-driven ocean action worldwide.

Note: Access to the Blue Zone requires UN Ocean Conference registration.