The UNU Paris Office is launching the UNU Ocean & Coasts Programme, a new initiative designed to strengthen international cooperation at the intersection of science, public policy and multilateral action on ocean and coastal issues.
The programme supports the prefiguration of a future UNU institute in France dedicated to oceans and coasts, while already mobilising partnerships, ideas and activities at the intersection of science and policy.
Download the leaflet to learn more about the initiative, its rationale, and its emerging architecture.
Why oceans and coasts, why now?
International ocean governance is entering a decisive phase. Climate disruption, biodiversity loss, rising pressure on marine and coastal ecosystems, and growing geopolitical tensions around maritime spaces are increasing the need for stronger science-based cooperation and more effective multilateral governance.
The third United Nations Ocean Conference, held in Nice in 2025, reinforced the urgency of improving science-policy interfaces, accelerating implementation and investing in long-term institutional capacity on ocean issues.
To tackle these challenges, the United Nations University has identified oceans and coasts as a strategic area for further institutional development.
A new programme led by the UNU Paris Office
The UNU Ocean & Coasts Programme lends a practical framework for the prefiguration phase of the initiative. Coordinated by the UNU Paris Office, it mobilises partners from academia, institutions, and the private-sector around a shared agenda.
The programme is designed to:
- develop strategic partnerships and geographical clusters,
- co-create research, dialogue and training activities,
- strengthen science-policy cooperation, and
- help build the scientific, diplomatic and financial foundations of a future institute.
Initial work will focus on a limited number of priority areas, including marine biodiversity and international frameworks, blue economy and blue justice, leaving space for issues of governance, public policy and implementation.
Towards a future UNU institute in France
The long-term ambition is to establish a future UNU institute on oceans and coasts in France, drawing on the existing scientific strengths, maritime geography and multilateral engagement and leveraging these with relevant partners for a global audience.
The initiative builds on several converging developments, including renewed international momentum following UNOC 2025 and recent support expressed in France for the creation of such an institute.
Download the leaflet
Our external leaflet provides an overview of:
- the United Nations University system,
- the role of the UNU Paris Office,
- the rationale for a future UNU institute on oceans and coasts,
- the UNU Ocean & Coasts Programme,and
opportunities for engagement.
Contact
To learn more about the initiative or explore possible forms of cooperation, please contact:
Aurelien Maleuvre
Outreach and Partnerships - United Nations University in Paris
Email: aurelien.maleuvre@unu.edu / Tel: +33 (0)6 65 77 07 90
