Driving ocean governance forward

At the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) highlighted its central role in shaping global ocean governance. Marking 80 years of leadership and 30 years since the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, FAO emphasized science-based policy, sustainable aquatic food systems, and inclusive governance. 

Director-General Qu Dongyu launched FAO's 2025 Review of the State of World Marine Fishery Resources, the Organization’s most extensive marine stock assessment, covering 2,570 stocks with input from more than 650 experts and providing critical data for global fisheries management. He also signed a new agreement with the International Seabed Authority, strengthening cooperation on marine biodiversity and spatial planning. 

"Since 1950, FAO has been supporting global efforts to collect and analyze fisheries and aquaculture data, providing direct support to its Members for the conservation and sustainable development of their aquatic food systems," Qu stated in his address, underlining the Organization's long-standing commitment to responsible fisheries practices. 

The Director-General also underscored FAO's pivotal role in shaping the global governance framework through the negotiation of key international instruments. Twenty-five years ago, FAO was the pioneer in these, including the FAO Fish Stocks Agreement, the Port State Measures Agreement, and the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. His emphasis on these agreements highlights FAO's commitment to combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and global food security.  

In addition, Qu participated in the high-level side event The Ocean We Depend On: Achieving SDG 14 Through Sustainable Governance. The event marked the 50th anniversary of the FAO–Norway EAF-Nansen Programme and brought together government officials, youth leaders, scientists, and development partners to explore how ocean science and inclusive policies can contribute to enhancing governance. Discussions focused on the role of science-based fisheries management in ensuring food and nutrition security, equitable livelihoods, and healthy marine ecosystems. 

The takeaway from Nice was unequivocal: transforming how we manage aquatic food systems is not only necessary but already underway, with FAO's leadership leading the path forward with strong and effective partnerships.