June 11, 2025, will spotlight the Pacific Islands, announced Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, France’s special envoy for the UN Ocean Conference and ambassador for Polar and Maritime Issues. This date will feature Pacific Island nations, including Fiji, at the forefront of the conference in Nice, France.
Poivre d’Arvor emphasized the importance of having these nations in a leading role, stating, “Absolutely, they have to be in the centre, and we have to be a bit at the back seat.” He highlighted that efforts will be made to invite and financially support their participation, ensuring not just officials but also young people and NGOs from the region are involved.
He assured that the political declaration being drafted for the conference will prominently recognize the Pacific region, potentially designating it as the guest of honour. On June 11, a special day will be dedicated to this area, where initiatives from various Pacific countries will be showcased through side events and presentations by regional leaders.
Poivre d’Arvor concluded by stating, “It’s impossible to do a conference on the ocean without you, absolutely impossible.”