Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Leads Global Dialogue On Ocean Sustainability

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Ocean Institute concluded its first international Ocean Conference, titled 'Towards the UN Ocean Conference 2025: Ocean Science, Policy & Blue Economy, a common ambition for the UAE, France, and Costa Rica'. Hosted at the Zayed Theatre on the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Campus, the event brought together leaders, policymakers, institutional partners, academia, and industry actors to deliberate on critical issues concerning ocean preservation and sustainability.

Following the international ocean conference, the UN Ocean Conference Regional Dialogue titled 'Deep Diving into Ocean Resilience' was organised at the initiative of UNOC 3. This event was held at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) in collaboration with the French Embassy in the UAE, Costa Rica Embassy in the UAE, UNOC 3, and MENA Ocean Initiative. The dialogue served as a platform to foster regional engagement in discussions concerning ocean preservation and action in preparation for UNOC 3.

This dialogue facilitated conversations among regional stakeholders to strengthen collaborations and improve coordination for effective ocean preservation efforts. The event aimed to enhance regional engagement and cooperation in addressing ocean resilience and sustainability challenges.

Abdullah Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability Affairs, stated, "Sustainability is not a new pursuit for the UAE; it is deeply rooted in our society due to the challenging conditions faced by our ancestors. Our Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was a patron of sustainability, which became ingrained in all of the UAE's endeavours."

Ambassador Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, Special Envoy of the French President for the UN Ocean Conference, France, remarked, "Together in the Middle East, we can write alongside our Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi a new chapter in the history of the Gulf, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean to help make these great basins more resilient, protected, sustainable, and therefore prosperous. France counts on your experience of COP 27 in Egypt, COP 28 in Dubai and the IUCN 2025 congress preparations in Abu Dhabi to synergise with the Ocean and Climate diplomacy breakthroughs in Nice in June 2025."

Prof Nathalie Martial-Braz, Vice Chancellor Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, commented, "Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, through the establishment of its Ocean Institute in the UAE, onboards a mission to advance ocean research in the region. This mission is not only pursued in labs but also by bridging scientific knowledge with public policy making and industrial development. Opening the Ocean Institute of Sorbonne University here in Abu Dhabi is a testament to engage in research of excellence, support enlightened decision-making and put in place science for action."

Future Collaborations and Goals

The conference underscored the importance of regional cooperation and dialogue to address pressing oceanic issues. By bringing together diverse stakeholders from various sectors, it aimed to create synergies that would lead to more effective ocean preservation strategies. The discussions highlighted shared ambitions between the UAE, France, and Costa Rica towards achieving sustainable ocean management.

The event also emphasised leveraging experiences from significant environmental conferences such as COP 27 and COP 28. These experiences are expected to contribute significantly to future initiatives like IUCN 2025 congress preparations in Abu Dhabi. The collaborative efforts are anticipated to enhance regional capabilities in tackling oceanic challenges.

The first international Ocean Conference by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Ocean Institute marked a significant step towards fostering regional cooperation for ocean sustainability. With contributions from key figures and stakeholders from various sectors, it set a foundation for future collaborations aimed at preserving marine ecosystems. The event highlighted shared goals between participating nations and underscored the importance of integrating scientific research with policy-making for effective ocean management.

With inputs from WAM