May 23, 2025
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will co-host a virtual side event during the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice, France, from June 9-13, 2025.
The high-level UN conference aims to accelerate action and mobilize all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources (Sustainable Development Goal 14). It is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
The online event titled “Innovation and Technology for Better Ocean Health” will take place on Wednesday, June 11th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM Central European Time. Registration link will be made available in the coming days.
This session will explore the crucial role of innovation and technology in providing solutions to improve ocean health in the face of climate change. Participants can expect to hear tangible examples highlighting the impact of technologies for ocean health, including flood protection and fisheries, particularly through initiatives like WIPO GREEN.
This virtual side event is organized in collaboration with valued partners including UN Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), UN Water, and UN Development Programme (UNDP). The panel will also include voices from the private sector who are making a difference with their technologies.
| 10:00-10:10 |
Introductory Remarks by the session Moderator Peter Oksen, Green Technology and Research Manager, WIPO GREEN |
| 10:10-10:25 |
Technologies for Ocean health incl. flood protection and fisheries Heather Jacobs, Climate Technology Expert, WIPO GREEN Mahezabin Natasha, Environmental Expert, WIPO GREEN |
| 10:25-10:40 |
Strengthening the capacity of developing countries to identify technology needs Ariesta Ningrum, Director, United Nations Climate Technology Centre & Network |
| 10:40-11:00 |
Tangible examples of initiatives that demonstrate highly innovative approaches to ocean sustainability Mary Matthews, UNDP Water Lead a.i., Manager, UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge, UNDP and UN Water |
| 11:00–11:15 | Companies driving the change and supporting better ocean health |
| 11:15-11:30 | Roundtable discussion amongst panel participants |
| 11:30 | Closing Remarks by the Moderator |
The UN Ocean Conference will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, financial institutions, NGOs, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, and other actors. The conference provides a vital platform to assess challenges and opportunities related to the implementation of SDG 14 and to identify pathways for further action.
The UNDP OIC identifies, finances, and provides mentoring on pilot initiatives that demonstrate highly innovative approaches to ocean sustainability.
UN Water is the United Nations' coordination mechanism for water and sanitation. Bringing together over 30 UN entities and 40 international partners, it ensures the UN system works as one to tackle water- and sanitation-related challenges and support countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
The UN CTCN is the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, and is hosted by the UN Environment Programme. It promotes the accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries.
WIPO GREEN is an online platform for technology exchange. It supports global efforts to address climate change by connecting providers and seekers of environmentally friendly technologies. Through its database, network and acceleration projects, it brings together key players to catalyze green technology innovation and diffusion.