In February 2025, the German and French Embassies in Egypt, in collaboration with Cairo Climate Talks (CCT) and Blue Talks, hosted a high-level panel discussion aimed at exploring how ocean protection can be more effectively integrated into the global climate agenda. This event was organized in anticipation of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3), which is scheduled to take place in Nice, France, in June 2025.

Titled “Elevating Ocean Solutions for Climate Action: Bridging Science, Policy, and Implementation,” the discussion marked the 97th edition of the Cairo Climate Talks and served as a significant milestone in regional engagement leading up to UNOC 3. The conference also aligns with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) and the ongoing ratification process of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ). Both initiatives highlight the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction.

The discussion emphasized that cross-sector collaboration, inclusive participation, and innovative financing are crucial to scaling ocean-based climate solutions. The upcoming revision of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement presents a key opportunity for nations to embed ocean commitments more deeply into their climate action plans.