Warm Blue Pacific greetings from OPOC.
As we farewell this year and herald in 2026, I take this moment to reflect on an incredible year for the ocean and for all of us as a region.
I acknowledge the passion and the sacrifices made by you all, our ocean stakeholders- from Forum Members and our wider Pacific Ocean Alliance stakeholders. I am heartened by all your contributions that showed that as ocean people we walk the talk when it comes to governing our ocean.
This past year has been busy but rewarding for OPOC, having successfully navigated many waves leading to significant milestones for the region. As such, I take this opportunity to extend to all of you my sincere appreciation for your contribution, and in particular, to the Leaders’ Ocean Agenda under the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. Some major milestones for 2025 have included:
1. The BBNJ Agreement
OPOC started the year with concurrent national consultation missions on the BBNJ Agreement in Tuvalu and the Republic of Marshall Islands. This was followed by workshops in Samoa, the Cook Islands, the Solomon Islands, and Kiribati. We ended the year with a final BBNJ National Workshop in Port Vila, Vanuatu during the month of November.
On the international stage, we supported Members at the first two sessions of the Preparatory Commission for the BBNJ Agreement in New York, with the third session now scheduled for the second half of March in 2026. In August, the world witnessed a milestone moment for the ocean- the BBNJ Agreement reached 60 ratifications heralding in the entry into force of this landmark UN Agreement. To date, a total of 78 countries have ratified the Agreement (including eight (8) ratifications from Pacific countries). But we should not rest here, but rather work harder to truly universalize this Agreement, which is set to enter into force on January 17, 2026. OPOC looks forward to continuing to coordinate support to Members on the BBNJ Agreement’s ratification, domestication, and implementation.
2.High Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals, February 21, Suva, Fiji
Another major milestone was the convening in February of Pacific Island Leaders for a High-Level Talanoa on Deep Sea Minerals (DSM). The various and complex issues relating to DSM are issues that our Pacific region have not articulated common positions on. Having our Leaders come together for the very first time to talk about issues openly, in the spirit of Talanoa, and with respect for diversity of positions amongst Members was a major step in the right direction and should indeed be etched in the echelons of history in the Pacific. This Talanoa was preceded by extensive preparatory work by the Member-led Informal Working Group on DSM. This Talanoa was not intended to be a negotiation, but simply an open dialogue on an issue that is of utmost importance to the region. It demonstrates the desire at the highest political levels to take proactive leadership on this difficult issue. It is my hope that as the Informal Working Group continues to convene, there will be further opportunity in the near future to organize a similar gathering to maintain political momentum on this issue, and further develop and refine an implementation plan for a ‘member-led regional approach’ to this issue, as tasked by Leaders.
3. Ocean Ministers’ Meeting, April 10-11, Suva, Fiji
In our preparations for the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, OPOC hosted the inaugural Pacific Ocean Ministers meeting to consider and endorse a regional approach to Nice. Attended by Pacific Ministers with an ocean mandate in their respective portfolios, the gathering was the first of its kind at the regional level. The meeting demonstrated that political leadership is indispensable to put ocean at the center of development. Underpinning the convening was a clear message for the region to approach UNOC as One Pacific with One Voice for One Ocean.
4. Third United Nations Ocean Conference, June 9-13, Nice, France
At this conference, the Pacific reaffirmed and re-asserted its collective leadership in ocean governance. Represented as one Blue Pacific at the highest political level, the region proved once again that when it comes to the global ocean agenda – that we are indeed a force to be reckoned with. The Pacific demonstrated bold commitments and clear messaging about the urgency to take action to protect our ocean, the importance of a whole ecosystem approach, and the need to build genuine partnerships and innovation in ocean financing. It is my hope that we will begin to see ocean finance flows that are at the scale needed for our region to strengthen ocean governance, management, conservation, science, technology, and solutions. It was indeed an honor to coordinate regional preparations with CROP agencies
and the Pacific Ocean Alliance to support Members’ efforts at this global ocean convening. To maintain momentum from UNOC in 2026, and build on our regional ambition, we look forward to progressing the next Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Ocean Statement.
5. Pacific Islands Ocean Conference, September 29-October 3, Honiara, Solomon Islands
This regional conference, co-organised by SPC, SPREP, FFA, and OPOC, and building on previous regional ocean conferences, brought together over 300 participants including ocean managers, scientists, academics, traditional knowledge holders, and Early Career Ocean Professionals to showcase emerging work, strengthen science-policy interface, and enable knowledge sharing and connection across stakeholders. We hope that support for this conference may continue so it may evolve into a key biennial ocean event for the region.
6. UNFCCC COP 30, November 10-21, Belem, Brazil
OPOC supported ongoing work on the ocean-climate change nexus at COP30 by supporting PSIDS through the OneCROP mechanism and amplifying Pacific messaging and ambition with various stakeholders, including at the Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion and through OPOC’s long standing partnership with the Ocean Pavilion. We look forward to continuing to support increased ocean ambition at COP31, especially with the pre-COP coming to the Pacific.
Looking to 2026, OPOC looks forward to building on the momentum of 2025 to progress and strengthen our collective work for the ocean.
Let me once again thank you all for your contributions. As we wrap up a relatively successful year for ocean governance, I attest to a known fact that more work remains for our collective attention next year and beyond. Our ocean continues to suffer alarming threats impacting marine life and our ocean dependent islands. 2025 saw another mass coral bleaching event, unacceptable levels of marine pollution, alarmingly high ocean warming and acidification, destructive IUU fishing, and more. Let us commit to tackling the stresses that adversely impact upon the health of our ocean, one step and one victory at a time. It is my hope that over time we will be able to leave for our future generations an ocean that is full of life and vitality.
As you take a break during this festive season, please do so as champions and advocates of our ocean, sharing and practicing respect for our ocean and its resources in your daily activities.
Enjoy your time with your loved ones, take some rest, rejuvenate and we look forward to engaging with you all again in our ocean journey in 2026.
Blessed Holidays ahead.
