UN Ocean Conference Ends With High Seas Treaty Push, Mining Warnings

The Third UN Ocean Conference closed in Nice on July 20, 2026, with delegations pressing governments to ratify the High Seas Treaty, finish a binding plastics agreement and hold off on deep-sea mining until the science catches up. No votes were taken. The closing plenary instead delivered 10 action-dialogue reports, a scientific call to action and €9 billion in new blue-economy pledges, setting the agenda for the next conference in 2028.

• Ten action dialogues urge rapid High Seas Treaty ratification to reach the 60 ratifications needed for entry into force.
• Calls grow for a voluntary deep-sea mining moratorium from scientists and several states.
• €9 billion in new blue-economy commitments announced, plus a 20-bank investment alliance.
• Scientists issue three imperatives: phase out fossil fuels, protect 30% of oceans and apply precaution.
• 450 coastal mayors and island leaders form a new coalition, a first for the UN ocean process.
• FAO commits $275 million to sustainable fisheries as aquatic food seeks a place on hunger agendas.

Why it matters: The action dialogues took up the longest stretch of the closing plenary, about an hour of reports. They are the conference's working blueprint on treaties, mining, pollution and enforcement. Each one is a recommendation, not a binding decision.