The Ocean Relay: From Nice to Abu Dhabi
Convened in Strategic Partnership between Environment Agency Abu Dhabi and Republic of France, facilitated by MENA Oceans, an Initiative by Goumbook, this high-level forum aims to serve as a pivotal platform at UNOC3, drawing out a clear outline of key mandates and initiatives that will continue to evolve as the global community moves toward the IUCN World Conservation Congress in Abu Dhabi in October 2025 and the UN Water Conference in December 2026, strengthening alignment across ocean and water policy agendas within broader environmental policies.
Expected outcomes include coordination and continuity across international milestones, increased mobilisation of public and private sector stakeholders, and accelerated funding support for SDG14. By convening global leaders, UN agencies, IUCN representatives, and regional experts, it aims to build lasting momentum and catalyse collaborative, high-impact marine and coastal action beyond Nice.
Agenda:
Date: 10th June 2025
Time: 15:15 – 16:00
Location: Orca Room, La Baleine, Palais des Expositions de Nice, France
15:15 – 15:17 | Forum Anchor | Prof. Ameer Eweida, Advisor, MENA Oceans: An Initiative by Goumbook; Executive Committee, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas; Professor (Adjt), Marine Conservation Science, University of Miami |
15:17 – 15:22 | Welcome Address | H.E. Dr. Sheikha Al Dhaheri Secretary General, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Global Vice Chair of SDG 14 |
15:22 – 15:27 | Keynote Address | H.E. Minister Barbara Pompili Ambassador for the Environment, Head of Delegation to Abu Dhabi for the UN Water Conference 2026 |
15:27 – 15:55 | Panel Discussion: Midway through the UN Ocean Action Decade: What would it take to turn the tide on ocean conservation within this timeframe? | Dr Grethel Aguilar, Director General, IUCN Vera Agostini, Deputy Director – Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, FAO Ms Shaima Gargash, Director of Energy & Sustainability, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – UAE H.E. Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi Moderated by: Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder & MD, Goumbook, Chair – MENA Oceans Initiative |
15:55 – 16:00 | Next Destination: Passing the baton | Richard Brissius, Chairman, The Ocean Race To H.E. Dr Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General, Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Global Vice Chair of SDG 14 |
Key Speakers
H.E. Minister Barbara Pompili
Ambassador for the Environment, Head of Delegation to Abu Dhabi for the UN Water Conference 2026
H.E. Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri
Secretary General of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and the Global Vice Chair of SDG 14
Dr Grethel Aguilar
Director General
IUCN
H.E. Ahmed AlHashmi
Executive Director
Environment Agency Abu Dhabi
Shaima Gargash
Director of Energy & Sustainability
Ministry of Foreign Affairs - UAE
Vera Agostini (PHD)
Deputy Director - Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division
FAO
Richard Brissius
Chairman
The Ocean Race
Tatiana Antonelli Abella
Founder & Managing Director
Goumbook
Dr. Ameer Eweida
Executive Committee, IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas
Advisor, MENA Oceans Initiative, Goumbook
Professor (Adjt), Marine Conservation Science, University of Miami
Expected Outcomes:
- Strategic Alignment for Future Milestones: The forum will draw out a clear outline of key mandates and initiatives that will continue to evolve as the global community moves toward the IUCN World Conservation Congress in October 2025 and the UN Water Conference in December 2026, aligning ocean and water conservation priorities within broader environmental policies.
- Mobilization of Key Stakeholders: The forum will serve as a catalyst for the active mobilization of both state and non-state actors to collaborate on tangible actions. This will accelerate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG14), ensuring a collective commitment toward achieving ocean conservation and sustainable resource management.
- Advancement of Global Ocean Conservation Goals: By bringing together global leaders and practitioners, the forum will help drive forward initiatives that contribute to the global effort of ocean conservation, fostering stronger partnerships and advancing practical solutions for marine resource management.