On June 7, 2025, the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit convened in Nice, France, as a pivotal event of the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). This summit brought together mayors, governors, and leaders from coastal cities and island nations worldwide to address the escalating challenges posed by rising sea levels and climate-induced coastal hazards. Co-organized by the City of Nice and the Ocean & Climate Platform, with support from the governments of France and Costa Rica, the summit aimed to forge a collective response to safeguard vulnerable coastal communities.

A significant outcome of the summit was the official launch of the Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Coalition. This coalition unites over 500 local government leaders committed to implementing transformative actions that enhance coastal resilience. The coalition's priorities include facilitating the exchange of best practices, strengthening access to scientific knowledge, mobilizing financial resources, and advocating for the representation of coastal regions in international policy forums.

The summit featured keynote addresses from prominent figures, including President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica. Discussions centered on the urgent need for adaptation strategies that integrate scientific research, community engagement, and sustainable development practices. Notably, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell participated in a panel discussing the impacts of rising ocean shores on urban infrastructure and community resilience.

Integral to the summit was the emphasis on science-based decision-making. The Ocean Decade, in collaboration with UNESCO and other partners, facilitated sessions that highlighted the role of ocean science in informing coastal adaptation strategies. These sessions underscored the importance of data sharing and collaborative research in developing effective responses to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

A critical aspect of the summit's agenda was the exploration of financial mechanisms to support coastal adaptation initiatives. Discussions focused on innovative funding models, including public-private partnerships and international climate finance, to ensure the scalability and sustainability of resilience projects. The summit emphasized the necessity of aligning financial investments with the specific needs of coastal communities, particularly in the Global South.

The Ocean Rise & Coastal Resilience Summit 2025 marked a significant step towards a unified global approach to addressing the challenges of rising sea levels and coastal degradation. By fostering collaboration among governments, scientists, and financial institutions, the summit set the stage for actionable commitments that prioritize the protection and resilience of coastal ecosystems and communities. As the summit concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to implementing the strategies discussed and pledged to continue working collectively towards a sustainable and resilient future for all coastal regions.