Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Sérgio França Danese, at the United Nations General Assembly Endorsement of the Nice Political Declaration (UNOC3) - June 30th, 2025

Mr. President,  

Excellencies, 

My delegation thanks France and Costa Rica for co-hosting UNOC3 in beautiful Nice. We commend them for helping making the Conference a true milestone in our collective journey to conserve and sustainably use our oceans. 

Brazil fully supports the resolution we just approved by an overwhelming majority of votes. 

As coordinator of the Group of 77 and China during the negotiations of the Political Declaration, we worked constructively to ensure a balanced, inclusive and forward-looking text that reflects our shared determination to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 14 and take due consideration of the needs and priorities of developing countries in this regard. 

On this note, I also commend Ambassadors James Larsen of Australia and Tania Romualdo of Cabo Verde for co-chairing the intergovernmental negotiations of the political declaration. 

Mr. President, 

UNOC3 was a moment of renewed hope in multilateralism and in our capacity to come together. It sent a clear message: the oceans must unite us, not divide us. 

In his speech at the opening of the Conference, President Lula reminded us that "the oceans are the planet’s main climate regulator" and that "we cannot speak of sustainable development without including the oceans." He warned us that the seas "are running a fever" and called on us all to build a "great wave to shape a fairer and more sustainable future." 

This message is especially relevant as Brazil prepares to host COP30 in Belém. Our presidency has made it clear that ocean action is climate action, and we invite all countries to join Brazil in the global mutirão of cooperation and shared responsibility. 

The Nice Political Declaration reflects this spirit of urgency and close cooperation. Brazil is proud to have presented seven voluntary commitments at UNOC3. We remain determined to do our part: from expanding marine protected areas to advancing maritime spatial planning and fighting plastic pollution.  

I am sure that we will all rise to the challenge safeguarding the health of our oceans, our planet, and our peoples. 

Thank you.