When Deep Blue and ‘Louis-le-Grand’ Rocked the First MUNOC in Paris

Paris, 3–4 May 2025
More than 300 enthusiastic secondary school pupils gathered at the Lycée Louis-le-Grand to take part in the very first MUNOC (Model United Nations Ocean Conference), co-organised by Deep Blue and the Lycée Louis-le-Grand. This United Nations simulation on maritime issues was a wonderful experience for our budding diplomats.

Why was the first MUNOC launched?

With just a few weeks to go until the major 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice (9–13 June), we wanted to give young people the chance to step into the shoes of diplomats. The aim was to help them understand the complexity of international negotiations, to encourage them to think critically about the dynamics of ocean governance, and to stimulate their creativity in devising innovative and sustainable solutions.

A deep dive into the heart of the debate

Under the guidance of Marwa and Maylis, each delegation immersed itself in passionate discussions on sustainable fisheries management, the over-exploitation of the seabed and the preservation of coastal ecosystems. The participants took turns defending their positions, seeking compromises and enriching the texts with well-considered amendments, perfectly illustrating the collective intelligence and spirit of solidarity that lay at the heart of MUNOC.

“Seeing these young people debate with such conviction was truly impressive,” says Élodie, Panama’s delegate. “They managed to combine diplomatic rigour with creativity to put forward concrete proposals.”

Young people take the final step: resolution adopted

At the end of two intense days, the Student General Assembly unanimously approved the final resolution, the result of collaborative and committed work. The authors of this resolution propose, in particular, a support fund for small-scale fisheries promoting responsible practices, a temporary moratorium on the exploitation of polymetallic nodules on the high seas, and the launch of a global campaign to raise awareness of the risks associated with coastal erosion. This unanimous adoption is a testament to the maturity and long-term vision of these budding young diplomats.

Preparing for Nice 2025: the impact of this experience

MUNOC offered these sixth-formers a hands-on experience of environmental diplomacy and helped to shape a generation ready to speak out on behalf of the oceans at the Nice conference. The ideas that emerged during this simulation could inform official debates and serve as a reminder to everyone of the importance of civic engagement in protecting our seas.

Many thanks, and here’s to the next chapter of the adventure

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Headteacher Mr Joël Bianco for his kind welcome, and to Melia Remacle, Gabriel Trompartner and Jalil Hoerner for their invaluable expertise. Congratulations to all the participants: your passion and creativity are a source of inspiration to us all.

“This energy and passion show us that the future of our oceans is in safe hands,” concludes Marwa, co-president of the UNOC committee.