Friends of Ocean Action's messaging and ambitions were echoed by the political convergence UNOC underscored, with countries rallying around shared priorities for scaling ocean action. Momentum on the global 30x30 target— framed as essential for climate, biodiversity, and equity— was matched by tangible governance advances, including 19 new ratifications of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement (BBNJ) during UNOC and growing alignment to bring the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement into force. These developments signaled a step-change in enabling conditions for delivery. By reducing regulatory risk and improving institutional clarity, stronger governance creates space for credible, investable solutions—such as marine protected areas, biodiversity credits, and traceable seafood systems—that can align environmental protection with economic opportunity. World Economic Forum key launches and announcements The World Economic Forum’s ocean-related collaborations, initiatives and announcement were widely covered during the first two weeks of June alone. Coverage included leading global outlets such as TIME, Forbes, Associated Press, Straits Times, The Economist, UN News, BBC podcasts and more. This contributed to a global surge in media attention for the ocean.Here are some prominent announcements and launches led by the Forum: #BackBlue Ocean Finance Commitment Surges to $3.45 Trillion in Assets Under Management #BackBlue Ocean Finance Commitment, backed by the Forum and ORRAA, grew to $3.45 trillion in assets under management. With new entrants like BNP Paribas, Eurazeo, and Mirova joining established leaders lik e Deutsche Bank, this coalition strengthens the integration of regenerative ocean priorities into finance and insurance decision-making. Business Community Champions Ocean Sustainability: Business Call to Action Convened by the Forum in collaboration with several business-orientated partners, this declaration was endorsed by over 90 businesses representing over $600 billion in turnover and 2 million employees. Global Plastics Action Partnership Announces 20 Biodiversity Small Fund Winners The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) showcased real-world impact for inclusive and data driven plastic solutions, announcing 20 winners of a small fund supported by Global Affairs Canada. WEF, NPI and ORRAA announce partnership on measuring ocean positive outcomes The partners are working together to establish scientifically credible, practical and standardized state of nature metrics for marine ecosystems and key performance indicators for the regenerative blue economy. New Report: Making Waves in the Regenerative and Sustainable Blue Economy The Forum co-launched a new report written in collaboration with ORRAA, Builders Vision, and Katapult Ocean, highlighting 45+ investment-ready opportunities spanning funds and direct solutions in ocean industries. New Report: 30x30 Ocean Action Plan UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, Ambassador Peter Thomson, announced The 30x30 Ocean Action Plan - convened by Friends of Ocean Action in collaboration with Blue Action Fund, Blue Marine Foundation, Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy, Mercuria, Minderoo Foundation, Oceano Azul Foundation, and with the strategic support of UNEP and IUCN. New Report: Advancing China's Sustainable Blue Economy - Building Strong Policy Foundations for Ocean Accounting and Blue Finance Jointly-led by Friends of Ocean Action and AVPN, with substantial contributions from experts across multiple organizations, the report highlights the urgent need to transform China’s ocean economy by integrating sustainability into national policy frameworks, strengthening ocean governance, and scaling blue finance to ensure long- term resilience. New Webs ite: Momentum Pulse The 1000 Ocean Startups launche d the Momentum Pulse platform, a digital dashboard mapping real time start-up activity, investment flows, and ecosystem growth across sectors and geographies. In a landmark move for regional development, the Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF, revealed a tripling of its Blue Economy Fund by announcing $2.5 billion of new money. The announcement – led and fully-shaped by CAF – builds on a collaboration with the World Economic Forum and the World Resources Institute and was the largest commitment made at BEFF. Friends of Ocean Action at UNOC Throughout the week, members of the Friends of Ocean Action community were actively engaged across UNOC with strong cohesion, shared purpose, and a stronger- than-ever commitment to collaboration across sectors and regions. The community came together in official events and informal gatherings during UNOC with a clear emphasis on shifting from ambition to action. A central milestone was the launch of the 30x30 Ocean Action Plan, a strategic roadmap developed by Friends of Ocean Action and partners to support effective and equitable marine protection by 2030.

UNOC Report June 2025