Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is joining world leaders at the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice on Monday, where he is set to outline Greece’s national strategy for marine conservation and maritime security.
His presence underscores Greece's heightened commitment to global ocean challenges.
The high-level summit brings together heads of state, scientists, and non-governmental organization representatives to address pressing global ocean issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution, sustainable fishing, and seabed mining.
Mr. Mitsotakis, who attended a leaders' dinner hosted Sunday by French President Emmanuel Macron, will present Greece’s initiatives to expand marine protected areas. This includes the creation of two new national marine parks in the Ionian and Aegean seas.
The ambitious goal is to safeguard 30% of Greece’s territorial waters, aligning with broader global biodiversity targets. The conservation plan was initially unveiled at the 9th Our Ocean Conference held in Athens in April 2024.
The Greek leader is also expected to raise the issue of maritime security during the conference, emphasizing its importance for Greece as a newly elected member of the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. Mitsotakis will also participate in the "For a More Connected Mediterranean" summit, hosted by Mr. Macron, which aims to foster regional infrastructure investment and cooperation.
Greece’s active role at UNOC3 signals its growing engagement in marine sustainability and environmental diplomacy, reflecting the increasing prominence of oceans on the global policy agenda.