What Is 2017 United Nations Ocean Conference

Overview

The 2017 United Nations Ocean Conference was a landmark global event focused on reversing the decline of ocean health. Convened under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly, it marked the first high-level UN meeting dedicated solely to ocean conservation.

Co-hosted by the island nation of Fiji and the government of Sweden, the conference brought together governments, NGOs, scientists, and private sector leaders. Its central aim was to mobilize action around Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which calls for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.

• June 5–9, 2017: The conference took place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, drawing global attention to oceanic challenges during World Oceans Week.
• Fiji and Sweden: As co-hosts, these nations emphasized both Small Island Developing States' vulnerabilities and Nordic leadership in marine sustainability.
• SDG 14: The conference specifically targeted progress toward Goal 14, which includes ending overfishing, reducing marine pollution, and protecting coastal ecosystems by 2030.
• Voluntary commitments: Over 1,300 pledges were made by governments, organizations, and companies to support ocean restoration, including funding, policy reforms, and scientific initiatives.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement: The event featured plenary meetings, partnership dialogues, and side events, fostering collaboration across sectors to address ocean degradation.

How It Works

The conference operated through a structured framework of plenary sessions, partnership dialogues, and voluntary pledge submissions. These mechanisms enabled coordinated action and accountability across diverse stakeholders.

• Partnership Dialogues: Six thematic sessions addressed key ocean issues such as marine pollution, sustainable fisheries, and marine biodiversity. Each dialogue produced actionable outcomes and policy recommendations.
• Voluntary Commitments: Entities registered specific, time-bound pledges—like eliminating plastic waste by 2025 or expanding marine protected areas by 30%—to be tracked post-conference.
• Call for Action: A political declaration titled 'Our Ocean, Our Future' was adopted, reaffirming global commitment to SDG 14 and outlining a roadmap for implementation.
• Science-Policy Interface: Experts presented data on ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and fish stock depletion to inform policy decisions and raise public awareness.
• Multi-level Governance: The conference emphasized collaboration between national governments, local authorities, and indigenous communities to ensure inclusive ocean governance.
• Private Sector Role: Businesses committed to sustainable practices, including reducing single-use plastics and investing in blue economy innovations like sustainable aquaculture.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2017 UN Ocean Conference can be better understood by comparing it to prior ocean-related summits in terms of scope, participation, and outcomes.

The 2017 conference surpassed previous events in both scale and coordination, establishing the largest-ever collection of ocean-focused pledges. Its success laid the foundation for future UN Ocean Conferences, including the 2022 and 2025 editions.

Why It Matters

The 2017 UN Ocean Conference was a pivotal moment in global environmental diplomacy, elevating ocean health to the forefront of international policy agendas. It demonstrated that multilateral cooperation could yield tangible, measurable actions.

• Accountability: The registry of voluntary commitments allows public tracking of progress, increasing transparency in global ocean governance.
• Policy momentum: The conference spurred national legislation, such as bans on plastic bags in 50+ countries by 2020.
• Scientific integration: Ocean acidification and warming trends were highlighted, leading to increased funding for marine research programs.
• Equity focus: Small Island Developing States gained a stronger voice, emphasizing their disproportionate vulnerability to sea-level rise and overfishing.
• Blue economy growth: Over $3 billion in investments were pledged toward sustainable fisheries, eco-tourism, and renewable ocean energy.
• Public awareness: The event coincided with World Oceans Day, amplifying outreach and education efforts globally.

By uniting governments, scientists, and civil society around a shared vision, the 2017 UN Ocean Conference set a precedent for future environmental summits. Its legacy continues to influence ocean policy and conservation strategies worldwide.