26/06/2025
Reflections from the UN Ocean Conference: Passion, Purpose & Pakistanās Blue Future š
Attending the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, was a milestone momentāone that filled me with immense pride as I represented Pakistan on this global stage. From high-level policy dialogues to grassroots activism, the energy was electric, and the message clear: Our ocean is in crisis, but hope is alive when we act together.
Why This Conference Mattered?
I joined fellow ocean advocates, scientists, and policymakers to push for real actionānot just pledges. As I emphasized in my interventions:
"We donāt need to race toward empty promisesājust announcing MPAs isnāt enough. What we need is action: enforcing laws, amplifying youth voices, and empowering innovation."
And on youth leadership:
"Youth have the passion to protect the ocean todayābut we need investment to scale ideas into systemic change. Our ocean is the greatest legacy weāll leave."
It was inspiring to hear H.E. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistanās Ambassador to France, announce Pakistanās intention to sign the BBNJ Agreement (High Seas Treaty)āa critical step for global ocean governance.
Key Moments & Events
I dove deep into discussions on:
š¹ Ocean Literacy as a Bridge for Peace ā How education fosters global cooperation.
š¹ 30x30 & Marine Protected Areas ā Why enforcement, not just designation, saves ecosystems.
š¹ Unlocking Finance for a Blue Future ā Scaling youth-led solutions.
Thrilled to have connected with Dr. Sylvia Earle, Captain Paul Watson, and other trailblazers who reminded me that ocean conservation is a lifelong missionāone fueled by courage and collaboration.
The Greatest Gift? My Ocean Family šš
Beyond the policy wins, the real magic of UNOC was the people. The friendships forged here have blossomed into an unbreakable ocean familyāa global network of warriors who inspire, challenge, and uplift me daily. If we havenāt connected yet, please reach out! Letās keep this momentum alive.
Personal Takeaways
Like my incredible SOA Ocean Leaders cohort, I left UNOC with clarity:
ā
Impact isnāt linear ā Whether through policy, science, or community action, every effort counts.
ā
Leadership is multifaceted ā You donāt need a podium to lead; sometimes the quietest voices spark the biggest waves.
ā
Pakistanās role matters ā From corals to MPAs, our coastal communities hold solutions the world needs.
A heartfelt thanks to Sustainable Ocean Alliance and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy for this transformative opportunity. The work doesnāt end hereāletās keep pushing for:
š« A global ban on deep-sea mining
š” Investment in youth-led ocean innovation
š¤ Stronger global collaboration
Huge gratitude to the incredible SOA fellowship teamāAnne Park, Jessica Newfield, Jon Letts, Leon Wang, Mark Haver, Mary Jane Lamoste, EugĆ©nia Barroca, and Daniel Caceres! You crafted such meaningful experiences at UNOC and made it truly unforgettable for all of us.
Stay tuned for more updates on UNOCāthis is just the beginning! Grateful to all who shared this journey. The tide is turningāand Iām committed to riding this wave for Pakistanās blue future. š
hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag hashtag