Prince Albert II Addresses the UN General Assembly on Ocean Conservation
His Serene Highness addresses delegates during the 78th session. © Palais Princier
NEW YORK — Taking the stage at the United Nations General Assembly this Tuesday, H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco delivered a resolute call to action, urging member states to dramatically accelerate their commitments to global ocean conservation and the expansion of marine protected areas (MPAs).
In an era defined by profound environmental shifts, the Sovereign Prince's address underscored Monaco's enduring legacy as a pioneer in marine science and diplomatic advocacy for the seas. Building upon the Principality's historic dedication, initiated by his great-great-grandfather Prince Albert I, His Serene Highness emphasized that the health of the global ocean is inextricably linked to human survival and global stability.
"The ocean is not a vast, inexhaustible resource. It is the very engine of life on our planet. We can no longer treat its preservation as a secondary objective; it must dictate our geopolitical priorities."
— H.S.H. Prince Albert IIA Push for Binding Agreements
A central theme of the address was the urgent need for robust, legally binding frameworks to govern the high seas. The Prince lauded the recent advancements in the BBNJ (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) treaty but stressed that ratification must happen at an unprecedented pace.
Monaco has long championed the "30 by 30" initiative — aiming to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. During his speech, Prince Albert detailed the Principality's ongoing financial and scientific contributions through the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which has supported hundreds of conservation projects globally over the past fifteen years.
Sustainable Maritime Economies
Beyond conservation, the address addressed the transition toward sustainable maritime economies. The Prince highlighted the necessity of shifting the shipping industry towards zero-emission fuels and enforcing stricter regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which disproportionately impacts developing coastal nations.
The diplomatic engagement reflects Monaco's strategy to punch above its weight on the international stage by leveraging its prestigious heritage to foster consensus on critical environmental mandates.