Conference of the Naval Academies: In Marseille, young people are also involved in thinking about the ocean

Marseille, March 2025Deep Blue
is proud to have been a partner of the Symposium of European Naval Academies in Marseille. Our President, Amine Lehna, our Vice-President, Lorenzo Specty, and our Secretary-General, Maylis Real, spoke on behalf of young people and presented concrete proposals to strengthen young people’s involvement in maritime issues.

A symposium to reflect on the sea.

On Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26 March, the five European naval academies came together for a unique symposium focusing on seven of the ten official themes of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC III), due to take place in Nice in June 2025. At the heart of these two days, interactive workshop-style discussions and round-table sessions enabled experts, students, stakeholders from the maritime sector and enthusiasts to come together and contribute to the collective discussion. Among the highlights, the presence of Ms Rena Lee, Ambassador for Ocean Affairs and the law of the sea for the Republic of Singapore, provided an opportunity to brief participants on the workings of the BBNJ intergovernmental conference, which was marked by the adoption of the treaty on biodiversity in the high seas on 19 June 2023. Registration for this event was open to all and free of charge, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to welcoming anyone wishing to get involved in shaping the future of our oceans.

Is CMA-CGM a socially responsible company?

During the week, we had the pleasure of visiting CMA CGM’s premises and their innovation laboratory, Tangram. These discussions gave us a better understanding of the logistical and technological challenges facing the shipping industry. We then met with students from the École Nationale Supérieure Maritime, who were enthusiastic about joining Deep Blue to contribute to our work and champion the cause of future generations.

A platform for our beliefs

For the past two years, Deep Blue has embodied a simple belief: young people must be able to play a full part in all decisions relating to the sea — whether environmental, economic or cultural. We are building bridges between experts and young people to ensure that a new and determined voice is heard.

Marseille: Political meetings and local prospects: laying the foundations for a Marseille branch

Our delegation met with several political leaders from the region and from Marseille City Council. These discussions provided an opportunity to present our approach, to discuss the coastal challenges ahead and to talk about the forthcoming establishment of the Marseille branch of Deep Blue Foundation:

Christine Juste, Deputy Mayor of Marseille responsible for the environment, water and terrestrial
biodiversity; Sébastien Barles, Deputy Mayor responsible for the ecological transition and adaptation to climate
change; Hervé Menchon, Deputy Mayor responsible for marine biodiversity, the coastline and water sports
Christophe Madrolle, President of the Regional Committee on ‘Biodiversity, the Sea and the Coastline, Regional Nature Parks and Risks’

Thank you to everyone involved

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the Académie de Marine and its President, Jean Emmanuel Sauvée, for the trust placed in Deep Blue, as well as to all the participants, partners and students who shared their energy and ideas.