The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is proud to announce its participation in a high-level side event at the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 (UNOC3), set to take place in Nice, France on Monday, June 9, 2025. The event, themed “Blueprints for the Future: Marine Spatial Planning, Financing, Ocean Data-Driven Decision-Making & Global Cooperation,” is being jointly hosted by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the People’s Republic of China.
The Antiguan delegation will be led by Minister of the Blue Economy Hon. Anthony Smith, Ambassador Dean Jonas, Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Director Ann-Louise Hill, and supported by a distinguished team from China’s National Ocean Technology Center (NOTC), the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), the University of the West Indies Centre of Ocean and Blue Economy (UWI-COBE), the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), and the Pacific Islands Development Forum (PIDF).
This strategic side event marks a major milestone for Antigua and Barbuda, as the country solidifies its position as a regional leader in Blue Economy development, ocean governance, and sustainable marine innovation. The side event is expected to draw investors and global attention to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) leadership in marine spatial planning, ocean data integration, and collaborative international partnerships.
Key highlights of the event include:
– Opening statements by Minister Smith, Ambassador Jonas, and senior Chinese ocean officials;
– A keynote presentation on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable business models for the Blue Economy;
– The signing of a Letter of Intent to establish the China-Caribbean Marine Cooperation Centre (CCMCC) in Antigua and Barbuda;
– Presentations from CRFM, UWI-COBE, OECS, and PIDF representatives on ocean policy, climate resilience, and marine investment;
– A special investment forum segment aimed at mobilizing financing for Blue Economy initiatives.
“This event exemplifies Antigua and Barbuda’s proactive leadership in advancing sustainable ocean development and forging meaningful international partnerships,” said Ambassador Dean Jonas.
“It’s a critical moment to highlight how our marine spatial planning, data-driven strategies, and China-Caribbean cooperation are creating a new vision for resilient ocean economies.” said Dr Teng Xin.
The event is part of a wider strategy to position Antigua and Barbuda as a hub for marine innovation, investment, and international collaboration across the Caribbean and beyond. Outcomes are expected to include stronger cooperation frameworks, new investment opportunities, and accelerated implementation of sustainable ocean strategies.