Nice, France. Claretian Missionaries took part in the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held from June 9–13 in Nice, France, to promote urgent and unified action for ocean sustainability under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Future: United For Urgent Action.” Rohan Dominic, CMF and Vincent Anesthasiar, CMF (Independent Delegation of Kolkata) represented Fondazione PROCLADE Internazionale-Onlus among global delegates, including UN Member States and civil society actors.
During the conference, Claretians contributed to the creation of the Faith for the Ocean network, uniting faith-based organizations in marine advocacy. The coalition launched The Faith for the Ocean Declaration at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Nice, securing endorsements from over 100 organizations and 550 individuals. The declaration called for renewed awareness of the ocean’s vital role in climate stability and biodiversity.
On June 11, PROCLADE co-sponsored a side event titled “The Multifaith Call to Action for Ocean Flourishing,” where Vincent Anesthasiar spoke about the need to protect artisanal fishers and promote sustainable fishing. The Claretians also presented a policy brief, Blue Life for Blue Future, and actively joined various panels and assemblies under the Faith for the Ocean banner.
UNOC3 resulted in several global commitments, including support for the BBNJ Agreement, stronger opposition to deep-sea mining, and proposals like a UN Special Envoy for Oceans and a global marine university network. PROCLADE had contributed earlier to the zero draft consultations and to shaping the conference’s final outcomes.
Ahead of the event, on May 21, Rohan Dominic, in partnership with Edmund Rice International, organized a panel discussion titled “Can the UN Ocean Conference, Nice, be a Game Changer for the Environment?” featuring both Claretian delegates.
After UNOC3, the Claretians called for local action to implement the Nice Ocean Action Plan: influencing policy, integrating ocean literacy into education and formation, advocating small-scale fishers’ rights, and encouraging plastic reduction and sustainable consumption.
The Claretian presence highlighted the spiritual and ethical dimensions of ocean care, reinforcing that protecting the ocean—a source of life for billions—is a shared moral responsibility.
Source: Rohan Dominic, CMF, Fondazione PROCLADE Internazionale-Onlus, UN Representative.
