On June 9-10, the Third UN Ocean Conference was held in Nice, France. Centered around the theme of “Promoting Joint Actions to Build Sustainable Oceans”, the conference focused on the ten challenges outlined in the “United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development” (“Ocean Decade”). In-depth discussions were conducted on key issues such as marine pollution prevention, ecosystem conservation, climate change response, and the development of the blue economy. Government representatives, international organizations, scientific research institutions, and business leaders from over 150 countries and regions gathered to discuss the construction of a global ocean governance system. The delegation from the SIO was invited to participate.

Academician Li Jiabiao delivered a keynote speech on behalf of China during the panel discussion of the event “Bridging Science and Policy for Global Scientific and Technological Cooperation to Promote Healthy Ocean Development”. He called on all countries to strengthen cross-regional collaboration, jointly establish platforms for marine public goods, and continuously advance capacity-building and scientific-technological cooperation to collectively address ecological risks and environmental challenges facing the global ocean. He expressed that China is ready to partner with nations worldwide to leverage intelligent technologies to empower marine scientific and technological innovation and enhance ocean science understanding and sustainable governance, thus contributing China’s expertise and technological strength to the construction of a maritime community with a shared future.

During the conference, the SIO, in collaboration with the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS), the National Marine Environmental Forecasting Center (NMEFC), and the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association (COMRA), co-organized a side event titled “Enlightening Oceans: Innovative Science Driving Action for a Sustainable Future”. The event focused on the application of marine big data, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital technologies in global ocean governance. It systematically showcased China’s significant technological achievements in the framework of the global ocean governance system and the “Ocean Decade”. The “Digital Twin System for Deep-Sea Seamounts” was officially released, further advancing the international collaboration under the “Digital Deep-sea Typical Habitats Programme”.

In his closing remarks at the side event, Academician Li Jiabiao noted that the side event showcased a series of groundbreaking technological advancements in the marine field, representing China’s concrete actions to implement the UN Ocean Decade initiative and actively participate in global ocean governance. He emphasized that these achievements not only reflect technological innovation but also demonstrate China’s commitment to promoting the open sharing of marine science and technology and serving the common interests of humanity.

While in Nice, the SIO delegation also participated in academic conferences such as the One Ocean Science Congress and the Leadership Meeting of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO).