GEF IW:LEARN, UNESCO-IOC and IMO host a side event at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice to strengthen private sector partnerships for ocean sustainability and to celebrate 30 years of LME cooperation
Taking place at the Le Saint Paul Hotel, this two-session side event looked at the evolving role of the private sector, as an economy driver, user, innovator and knowledge provider to speed up ocean sustainability and at the long standing contribution of the Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) approach in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
SESSION 1
Partnering for Ocean Sustainability: Engaging the Private Sector
16:00–17:10 CEST
This session spotlighted real-world examples of sustainable business practices from areas such as tourism and transport, and cross-sector collaboration to protect marine ecosystems. Moderated by Konstantina Toli, IW:LEARN Coordinator at UNESCO IOC, the panel featured speakers from AkzoNobel, Global Industry Alliance of IMO, Fugro, Iberostar, Ocean Data Network, the Fishing Vessels and Subsee AI, showcasing how industry leaders are tackling current challenges and stressing the benefits of stepping up to align their operations with global sustainability goals.
SESSION 2
Celebrating 30 Years of Large Marine Ecosystem (Cooperation): Scaling up Action for SDG14
17:15–18:30 CEST
Building on the outcomes of the recent LME24 Consultation Meeting, and marking three decades of impact across 23 LMEs and 124 countries, this session reflects on the legacy of the LME approach in enabling transboundary governance, ecosystem-based management, and regional collaboration. Speakers included representatives from the Black Sea Commission, COBSEA, Indonesia’s Ministry of Marine Affairs, General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), Benguela Current Convention, and PROCARIBE+.
The day concluded with a networking cocktail (18:30–20:00) to foster connections and cross-regional dialogue.
“At a time when global ocean challenges demand urgent and collective solutions, we are proud to bring together voices from across sectors and regions to celebrate the legacy of Large Marine Ecosystems and advance new partnerships for a sustainable ocean future. GEF IW:LEARN, together with UNESCO-IOC and IMO, is committed to driving cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and innovation, to support action toward achieving SDG 14”
Konstantina Toli, IW:LEARN Coordinator.
Learn more about the events on this link.
About GEF IW:LEARN
IW:LEARN is the Global Environment Facility's (GEF) International Waters Learning Exchange and Resource Network. The IW:LEARN project was established to strengthen transboundary water management around the globe by collecting and sharing best practices, lessons learned, and innovative solutions to common problems across the GEF International Waters portfolio. It promotes learning among project managers, country official, implementing agencies, and other partners.