Prime Minister of Niue delivers Statement at 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Plenary

Niue Reaffirms Leadership in Ocean Conservation and Signs Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction

The Prime Minister of Niue, Honourable Dalton Tagelagi, delivered a statement during the Plenary of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held on the 9th June 2025 in Nice, France. Highlighting Niue’s commitment and challenges related to ocean conservation and marine biodiversity, the Prime Minister called for urgent global action, stating, “We come to UNOC3 with resolve. The time for bold action is now.”

Prime Minister Tagelagi shared Niue’s marine conservation achievements, including the establishment of the Moana Mahu Marine Protected Area (MPA) in 2020, which legally protects 40% of Niue’s waters as a strict no-take zone. In 2022, Niue declared its entire Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) a Multiple-Use Marine Park under the Nukutuluea framework. This landmark designation makes Niue one of the few countries worldwide with 100% of its ocean space legally managed and marks the second largest no-take MPA by EEZ percentage globally.

Emphasizing the importance of sustainable conservation foundations, the Prime Minister spoke on the Niue Ocean Wide Trust, which was designed to secure long-term protection of Niue’s ocean and enhance community resilience. Through this Trust, Niue launched the Ocean Conservation Commitments (OCCs), an innovative platform inviting governments, philanthropies, and citizens to directly invest in marine protection efforts.

Niue remains committed to advancing the regional vision of Unlocking Blue Pacific Prosperity, proving that even the smallest nations can lead with vision, innovation, and steadfast action. Prime Minister Tagelagi reinforced that success depends on global solidarity, “We cannot do this alone. We need fair, accessible financing. We need political will. And we need partners who value long-term impact over short-term returns.” He called on all nations to rise to the urgency of the moment with leadership grounded in community, science, and culture.

Following his address, the Prime Minister of Niue proceeded to sign the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Treaty). This advances Niue closer to formal ratification and reaffirms Niue’s dedication to safeguarding the high seas as a vital global good.

Niue’s leadership at UNOC3 exemplifies how small island nations can drive meaningful global change in ocean conservation.

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