On the sidelines of the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC3), which will take place from June 9 to 13, 2025, Minister Thani Mohamed-Soihili, in charge of Francophonie and International Partnerships, has announced the organization of the first edition of the « World Islands Forum. » This forum aims to « allow island states and territories to promote their priorities. »
The announcement was made during the 5th United Nations Forum on Oceans in early March in Geneva, where France reaffirmed its commitment to ocean protection. During this forum, Minister Thani Mohamed-Soihili expressed his wish to mobilize the international community ahead of the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean (UNOC3) in Nice next June, of which France is the host country.
During this third UN Conference on the Ocean, island territories will have a special place with the launch of the first World Islands Forum. These territories face numerous vulnerabilities related to climate change, such as biodiversity loss and rising sea levels, yet their voices remain relatively unheard on the international stage. « The Forum aims to amplify the needs and solutions for island territories, including our Overseas Territories, in the face of climate risks and in favor of ocean protection, » emphasized the Ministry of Francophonie and International Partnerships.
The Forum, chaired by Minister Thani Mohamed-Soihili, will bring together public actors, international financial institutions and development banks, the private sector, and civil society to discuss solutions and initiatives promoting the development of the blue economy and blue finance, ensuring the resilience of populations and the preservation of island environments.
« Climate change is already having severe consequences on island territories. I am thinking in particular of our Overseas Territories, with recent cyclonic episodes in Mayotte and Réunion. Rising sea levels pose an existential threat. In the Caribbean, for example, coastal areas concentrate the main infrastructure, economic activities, and 70% of the population. The annual cost of inaction in this region alone is expected to reach $22 billion per year by 2050 and $46 billion by 2100, representing 10% and 22% of the region’s GDP, respectively. There is an urgent need to act and to consider their recommendations. This is precisely the goal of the World Islands Forum, which will take place during the 3rd United Nations Conference on the Ocean, » Minister Thani Mohamed-Soihili emphasized.
Source: outremers360
