June 7, 2025 | 14:30-16:00 | Beyond Borders Pavilion (Open Room)

On the occasion of the first United Nations Conference on the Oceans in 2017, the University of Brest pledged its support for the project to create a United Nations University (UNU) institute on the theme of “science and governance of oceans and coastal areas” (commitment 43207).

Being the only entity with an academic status within the United Nations system, UNU comprises 13 thematic institutes worldwide, dedicated to research and training. Despite the importance of oceans and coasts to multilateralism, UNU has no institute to bring the voice of research to where ocean governance is shaped, and to train future generations of researchers in marine sciences at the interface between science and policy. In May 2019, the UNU council expressed its support to the project. In April 2025, the French National Assembly voted unanimously a resolution in support of the creation of the institute.

UNU, UBO and OFB wish to present the project to other UN agencies, research institutions and funding bodies, with a view to launching a call for research and financial partnerships, so that the UNU Ocean Institute can come into being as soon as possible.

Confirmed speakers

• Dr. Marwala TSHILIDZI, Rector of the United Nations University, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
• Pr. Vanessa SCHERRER, chair of the United Nations University Board
• Dr. Sabine BECKER-THIERRY, Executive and Strategy officer, United Nations University, Paris Office
• Pr. Linwood PENDLETON, University of Brest, International chair of excellence, Ocean Knowledge Action Network global coordinator
• Pr. Vianney PICHEREAU, vice-president, University of Brest
• Dr. Denis BAILLY, Ocean University Initiative coordinator, University of Brest
• Dr. Pierre-Yves CADALEN, Member of Parliament, France

A side-event organized by

• The Rectorate of the United Nations University (UNU)
• The University of Brest (UBO)
• The French Biodiversity Agency (OFB)
• Members of the Parliament of France

Limited capacity (50 seats)