The ocean: a new diplomatic front for the Francophonie?

29 May 2025 – Special lecture at the Sorbonne with the Minister for Francophonie and International Partnerships

With just a few days to go before the opening of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), the Centre for French-Speaking Maritime Studies (Deep Blue) had the honour of welcoming, at the Sorbonne, Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships, at the Sorbonne for a major conference on Francophone maritime issues within the context of climate diplomacy.

Organised in partnership with the Perspectives Hexagonales association, this exchange provided an opportunity to address the geopolitical, legal and environmental challenges currently facing French-speaking countries in the face of the ocean crisis.

An academic opening marked by dialogue

The conference was opened by Ms Christine Neau-Leduc, President of theUniversité Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. In her address, she praised the commitment of the students from Deep Blue and their partners, emphasising the importance of upholding the civic, scientific and international mission of major academic institutions. Her support reflects the shared ambition to open up the university to global challenges and the responsibilities of the Francophonie in global ocean governance.

An academic opening marked by dialogue

The conference was opened by Ms Christine Neau-Leduc, President of theUniversité Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. In her address, she praised the commitment of the students at Deep Blue and their partners, emphasising the importance of upholding the civic, scientific and international mission of major academic institutions. Her support reflects the shared ambition to open up the university to global challenges and the responsibilities of the Francophonie in global ocean governance.

The Francophonie and young people tackling ocean-related challenges

Two members of Deep Blue Foundation and ‘Perspectives Hexagonales’, Simon Quesemand-Berman and Maéva-Daphné Bassalang Kakouande, led the discussion with the Minister, focusing on three main areas:
– the role of the Francophonie in climate diplomacy,
– the role of young people committed to transforming ocean policy,
– current challenges in marine governance, particularly regarding the BBNJ treaty.

The discussion highlighted the need to present a strong and unified Francophone voice within major international forums, whilst empowering young people to contribute to multilateral negotiations.

Next stop: UNOC 3 in Nice

Deep Blue will be in Nice from 2 to 13 June 2025 to give a voice to young people committed to protecting the ocean, and to continue the awareness-raising, advocacy and initiatives undertaken in the run-up to the Conference.