The 2nd Commonwealth Blue Charter Ministerial Steering Committee took place on the sidelines of the 3rd UN Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, this week, reinforcing their collective commitment to protecting the ocean and accelerating action under the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups.
Chaired by the Hon Flavien Joubert, Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment of Seychelles, this high-level meeting brought together Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Group Champions. They met to assess progress and set a forward-leaning agenda that includes deeper partnerships and strategic priorities for the next phase of the Blue Charter.
In his opening remarks, Minister Joubert called for unwavering action, and said:
“As Chair of the steering committee, I am proud of the leadership Seychelles has shown in advancing the Blue Charter. The champion countries are the beating heart of this initiative – their concrete actions are driving real progress, and together we are turning our shared commitments into lasting impact for our ocean.”
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Ministers reviewed the progress made by the 10 Action Groups and endorsed new steps to expand impact through more frequent coordination, targeted country support, and stronger partnerships for finance and innovation. They also welcomed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s proposals to finance Action Group-led initiatives, enhance technical assistance, and foster greater collaboration with regional and global partners.
Partnerships for accelerated progress
Speaking on behalf of the United Kingdom, Emma Hardy, Minister for Water and Flooding, praised the Commonwealth’s action-oriented approach:
“The Commonwealth is a global ocean leader - home to over a third of national marine waters and nearly half the world’s coral reefs. When we act together, our impact is immense. The UK is proud to support the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration and is committed to working with our fellow members to turn this vision into practical action, from championing a plastic pollution treaty to supporting sustainable blue economies in SIDS.”
Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa, also the Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, had a clear message after the meeting:
"The Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration shows that Commonwealth countries - especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS) - are not waiting for change, we are driving it. By committing to sustainably manage 100% of our ocean, to triple marine renewable energy, and to defend fixed maritime boundaries despite sea-level rise, we are sending a bold and urgent call to action.
"Now is the time for partners across the globe to step up and join us in protecting our shared ocean and our shared future."
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The declaration and its advancement were central themes during the steering group meeting, which goes beyond other international agreements in several critical areas:
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A bolder vision for fisheries reform, including action on subsidies, trade and equitable access;
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A commitment to develop and implement 100% Sustainable Ocean Plans across all marine areas;
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Marine renewable energy targets aligned with the Global Stocktake, including a pledge to triple capacity;
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Scaled-up support for the sustainable blue economy, with a focus on financing and innovation;
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And a strong, assertive commitment to support SIDS in maintaining fixed maritime boundaries despite the threats of sea-level rise.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for member countries to share national updates, identify priority needs, and reaffirm the importance of multilateral cooperation in safeguarding the ocean for future generations.
The UN Ocean Conference ends on Friday, 13 June 2025.
Media contact
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Suné Kitshoff Senior Communications Officer, Communications Division, Commonwealth Secretariat
- M: +44 7740 450 901 | E-mail
