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Korea Herald
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Korea Herald
[Contribution] 'We are the ocean'
Ambassador of France to the Republic of Korea From June 9-13, France will co-host, with Costa Rica, the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). For this crucial event, around 100 heads of state and government will converge in Nice, as well as tens of thousands of researchers, scientists, economic actors, activists and citizens from around the world. On this occasion, France's aim will be clear: protecting the ocean through tangible action. The ocean is our common good. It feeds and protects our people. It provides us with sustainable energy, trade, resources and infinite scientific knowledge. One in three people relies on the ocean for their livelihood, yet the ocean is in danger. It's an area that is still largely unknown, and lacks the global governance and funding necessary for its preservation. More than 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, according to a study published in the journal Science. Moreover, more than a third of fish stocks suffer overfishing, while ocean acidification, rising sea levels and the destruction of marine ecosystems gain pace, as direct consequences of climate change. We must act now. More than ever before, we must make sure that multilateral action is equal to the challenges of protecting the ocean. Ten years after COP21 and the Paris Agreement, which established a binding global framework to limit climate change, the third United Nations Ocean Conference is a historic opportunity. The 'Nice Ocean Agreements' can form an international pact for the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean, fully in line with the Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015. To this end, the talks in Nice need to be operational and action-focused, aiming for better governance, further financing and greater knowledge of the seas. When it comes to governance, the Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) is essential. The high seas are currently the only area not governed by international law, causing a real social and environmental disaster, with massive hydrocarbon and plastic pollution, illegal and unregulated fishing techniques, and the capture of protected mammals. To end this legal vacuum, we need the BBNJ Agreement to be ratified by 60 countries, so as to come into force. The ratification by the Republic of Korea of this crucial agreement in March 2025 is an important step in this direction as well as a vibrant political statement, as the Republic of Korea aims to co-chair UNOC4 in 2028. The protection of the ocean also requires public and private financing, and support for a sustainable blue economy. To continue enjoying the incredible economic opportunities offered by the ocean, we need to make sure marine resources can regenerate. In Nice, several commitments will be announced for global trade, shipping, tourism and investment. Lastly, how can we protect something that we do not — or insufficiently — know? We need to enhance our knowledge of the ocean and disseminate it more effectively. Today, we are capable of mapping the surface of the Moon or of Mars, but the depths of the ocean — which covers 70 percent of Earth's surface — remain unknown. Together, let's mobilize science, innovation and education to better understand the ocean and raise public awareness. In the context of ever-faster climate change and overexploitation of marine resources, the ocean is not an issue like any other. It's everyone's business. In a context in which multilateralism is being challenged, we must not forget our shared responsibility. Together, we can make the third United Nations Ocean Conference a major turning point for our peoples, for future generations and for our planet.
Daily Tribune
27-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
3rd Green Youth Hackathon: Startup Challenge for Sustainable Innovation
The French Embassy to Bahrain, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and AIESEC Bahrain, has officially launched the third edition of the Green Youth Hackathon. The event, running from April 24 to 28, 2025, will take place at the Bahrain Science Center for SDGs and HQHope at Seef Mall, gathering young innovators focused on creating sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. This year's hackathon encourages participants to develop start-up ideas that address critical sustainability challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a special focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water, this edition will highlight marine and coastal issues in the lead-up to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), scheduled for June 2025 in Nice, France. Collaborative Support Held with the support of leading French companies such as Fives Services Gulf and BNP Paribas, as well as Bahrain's Supreme Council for Environment, this event aims to equip young innovators with the skills and mentorship they need to develop real-world solutions. The hackathon invites university students and recent graduates aged 18 to 30 to join forces in creating practical, scalable business solutions for Bahrain's marine and coastal challenges. Over the course of three days, seven selected teams will work alongside sustainability and entrepreneurship experts from both Bahrain and France to shape innovative ideas that can positively impact the environment. Workshops and Mentorship In addition to collaborative project development, participants will attend specialized workshops led by key partners, including the Supreme Council for Environment, Neia Solutions, the Bahrain-based NGO NUWAT, and Traction4Business. These workshops will cover essential topics such as sustainable entrepreneurship, marine biodiversity, the blue economy, and coastal development. Throughout the hackathon, expert mentorship will be provided by environmental professionals and business leaders from BNP Paribas and AIESEC Bahrain, ensuring that each team receives guidance to refine their ideas into viable business models that can drive meaningful environmental change. Prizes and Opportunities The winning team of the Green Youth Hackathon 2025 will receive a BD500 prize, which will support the development and implementation of their start-up idea. Additionally, the team will gain access to the Mashra3ooi program by Tamkeen, which aids early-stage entrepreneurs in Bahrain. Moreover, the winning team will also be invited to participate in a unique two-week hackathon in France, held alongside the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. This international opportunity will help enhance youth employability and encourage cross-border skill transfer, providing participants with the chance to expand their professional networks while gaining hands-on experience. By offering both local and international opportunities, the Green Youth Hackathon is empowering Bahrain's youth to take action on marine sustainability while also contributing to the global conversation on ocean conservation.
Daily Tribune
09-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
HRH Crown Prince Receives French President's Invitations for HM the King to attend Al & Ocean Summits
Email : His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, officially received two invitations on behalf of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa from His Excellency Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic. These invitations are extended for two significant international events: the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit and the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference. The AI Action Summit, which is focused on fostering global collaboration in AI research and policy development, aligns with Bahrain's commitment to innovation and technological advancement. Meanwhile, the Ocean Conference aims to address critical environmental issues, emphasizing Bahrain's dedication to sustainable development and marine conservation.
