A Global Platform Leading to UNOC 3
The Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030 is a voluntary international initiative launched in the lead-up to the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), taking place in Nice, France (9–13 June 2025).
Led by Costa Rica, Co-Host of UNOC 3, the Pledge is open to countries and organisations that want to work together to strengthen the role of ocean accounting in governance.
It provides a shared platform to signal ambition, mobilise support, and align with global efforts under SDG 14, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Joining the Pledge is a way to:
- Align national or institutional efforts with a recognised international initiative;
- Gain visibility ahead and during UNOC 3;
- Attract technical partnerships and financial support for implementation.
The Pledge will be formally presented on the main stage at UNOC 3, and early signatories will be publicly recognised. Leading up to that, countries and organisations have the opportunity to engage or sign at several upcoming events.
Why Ocean Accounts?
As ocean health declines and demands on marine ecosystems increase, countries need better information systems to manage ocean use, protect biodiversity, and address climate impacts.
Ocean accounts bring together environmental, social, and economic data to support:
- Marine spatial planning and coastal resilience;
- Sustainable finance and climate reporting;
- National planning and global goal tracking (e.g. SDG 14, GBF, NDCs).
By developing ocean accounts, countries gain the tools needed to balance development and conservation while fulfilling their international obligations.
What is the Pledge?
The Pledge provides a commitment for countries and organisations that want to advance ocean accounts, at their own pace, in ways that align with national priorities.
It does not impose specific requirements, but instead offers a flexible framework to:
- Highlight national ambitions in ocean data and governance;
- Join a recognised global coalition leading into UNOC 3;
- Attract visibility and support for national implementation efforts;
- Access peer learning, technical partnerships, and funding pathways.
Joining the Pledge is an effective way to:
- Demonstrate credibility on the international stage;
- Show alignment with major frameworks like the UN Decade of Ocean Science, SDG 14, and the Global Biodiversity Framework;
- Mobilise political and financial capital to scale domestic efforts.
What does being a Signatory mean?
By signing, countries and organisations agree to:
- Advance ocean accounts by 2030, aligned with their national needs;
- Consider ocean account data in planning, policy, and monitoring;
- Collaborate globally by sharing knowledge, supporting capacity, and building collective capability.
Signatories are also invited to submit an optional individual complementary statement to explain how they plan to engage or what they have already done.
How to Join the Pledge
Countries and organisations can sign the Pledge:
- In person, during key events listed below
- Online via this form or by contacting the GOAP Secretariat at m.feoli_martinez@unsw.edu.au
They are also invited (but not required) to:
- Submit an individual statement describing national plans or actions;
- Register the Pledge or their statement as a UNOC Voluntary Commitment, further strengthening visibility and follow-up.
Opportunities to Join the Pledge
🗓️ 24-27 March 2025 | Ocean Accounts Exchange in Costa Rica | Completed
Held in San José, Costa Rica, this event brought together over 120 participants from 80+ countries and organisations. It marked the launch of the Joint Pledge and generated strong momentum for global collaboration on ocean accounts. Read more about the event here.
🗓️ 16 May 2025 | Virtual Webinar
To discuss the Pledge further, including messages from early signatories and countries with the shared vision, and receive guidance on how to join.
🗓️ 10 June 2025 | UNOC Side Event (Blue Zone) | Nice, France
“Delivering on the 2030 Sustainable Ocean Economy: Pledge to Develop Ocean Accounts by 2030”. Co-hosted by Costa Rica, Portugal, and partners. A forum to showcase leadership, explore new commitments, and build international alliances.
🗓️ 11 June 2025 | Costa Rica Pavilion Workshop (Green Zone) | Nice, France
An interactive 3-hour workshop including policy-oriented training, Costa Rica’s roadmap, and live opportunities to sign the Pledge.