This children’s article, UN Ocean Conference – World leaders meet to save our ocean, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and explore how countries are working together to protect our ocean. Written by Sinead O’Carroll, a writer and English teacher.
A conference for the ocean
In June 2025, world leaders, scientists, and youth activists came together in Nice, France, for the Third UN Ocean Conference. This big event, also known as UNOC3, focused on finding ways to protect the ocean and keep it healthy for future generations.
People from many countries made a political declaration, which is an important promise, and shared “voluntary commitments” to take action. These included plans to reduce plastic waste, protect sea animals, and use ocean resources more responsibly.
Why now? – The Ocean Action Plan
The ocean is in trouble. Climate change, plastic pollution, and overfishing are harming marine life. Sea temperatures are rising, coral reefs are bleaching, and fish populations are shrinking.
At the conference, leaders said the world must act now. Their new plan is called Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action. It asks countries to move quickly and make big changes to help ocean life.
It also reminds everyone how important the ocean is. It helps feed us, supports jobs, and, when healthy, plays a big part in fighting climate change.
Small islands, big voices
One of the most powerful parts of the conference was hearing from people who live on small islands.
These islands are already seeing serious changes. Rising sea levels are causing floods and washing away land. Pollution is hurting coral reefs and sea life, which many people rely on for food and income.
Leaders from island nations helped shape the Ocean Action Plan and are calling for stronger protection and fairer support. Their voices are especially important, as they are already feeling the effects of ocean problems.
Working together for change
The declaration from the conference calls for “urgent and transformative action.” This means the world needs to make big changes, not just small ones, to protect the ocean.
It also says countries should agree on a strong new treaty to stop plastic pollution, from how it is made to how it is thrown away.You can read more about the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14: Life Below Water, on the UN website.
Article vocabulary list
- Conference – A large meeting where people discuss important topics.
- Voluntary commitments – Promises people or countries make because they choose to, not because they are forced to.
- Marine life – Animals and plants that live in the ocean.
- Bleaching – When coral loses its colour and becomes weak, often because the ocean is too warm.
- Treaty – An agreement made between countries.
- Pollution – Harmful things like rubbish or chemicals that damage the environment.
- Island nation – A country that is made up of one or more islands.
- Transformative – Something that brings big, important changes.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. Where was the Third UN Ocean Conference held in 2025?
a) New York
b) Paris
c) Nice
Answer: c) Nice
2. What is the name of the new Ocean Action Plan?
a) Save the Whales
b) Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action
c) Clean Oceans for All
Answer: b) Our Ocean, Our Future: United for Urgent Action
3. What problems are harming the ocean? (Choose two)
a) Space travel
b) Plastic pollution
c) Overfishing
Answer: b) Plastic pollution, c) Overfishing
4. Why are small island nations so important in the conference?
Example answer: Because they are already seeing the effects of rising sea levels and pollution, and they rely on the ocean for food and jobs.
5. What kind of action did the conference call for?
a) Slow and careful action
b) No action needed
c) Urgent and transformative action
Answer: c) Urgent and transformative action
Sinead is a writer and EFL teacher with eight years’ experience. She’s a native English speaker who loves making news stories fun and easy to understand for children around the world. Her passions include travel, animals, and helping to make the world a kinder, more sustainable place.
