GLOBAL INITIATIVES: International School of Nice Student Champion DEIB Principles and Ocean Advocacy Ahead of UN Ocean Conference 2025

Par : Elizabeth Hernández-Freites

After the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June 2022, Presidents Emmanuel Macron of France and Rodrigo Chaves Robles of Costa Rica officially announced their commitment to co-host the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC2025) in Nice, France, in June 2025.

Since 2022, ISN Model United Nations (MUN) and Global Politics (GP) students have passionately embraced the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), considered essential for our global community. They see themselves as "global citizens" and are determined to play an active role in their community.

Quality education (SDG 4.7) is at the heart of their concerns, emphasising the importance of education for sustainable development, human rights, and global citizenship. They recognize the central role of women and gender equality (SDG 5) in combating climate change and preserving ocean ecosystems (SDG 14), while promoting partnership for the goals (SDG 17). 

In June 2023, ISN students participated in the official launch of the Pelagos Expedition “We are Méditerranée”, in Nice. They engaged in discussions with notable figures including Mr. Estrosi, Mayor of Nice; Ms. Diouf, Deputy Mayor of Nice overseeing anti-discrimination, women's rights, international solidarity; Mr. Richard Chemla, Deputy Mayor focusing on the city's economy, health and ecology; and renowned underwater photographer Greg Lecoeur, leader of the expedition.

In March 2023, ISN proudly hosted the annual Globeducate Model United Nations (MUN), a simulation of various United Nations committees, in collaboration with the Nice City Hall and the Haute École du Travail et de l'Intervention Sociale (HETIS). This collaborative effort, led by Madame Maty Diouf (Deputy Mayor of Nice in charge of Women's Rights, Cooperation, Metropolitan Councilor) and Ms. Christiane Dinges-Amiel (Delegate for International Relations and Twinning), involved 300 international high school students from 10 nations in the dynamics of global citizenship. The simulation mirrored deliberations of the General Assembly and other UN bodies, providing a platform to debate urgent issues shaping our collective future.

Additionally, in March 2023, ISN played an active role in consulting and mobilising civil society by collaborating with 125 NGOs worldwide to contribute significantly to UNOC2025. This involvement was acknowledged in the synthesis report "A Call to All Ocean Voices" highlighting the impact of these efforts in the global consultation process. Our commitment demonstrates the importance of inclusive decision-making, regardless of gender or age, for sustainable solutions. By adhering to these principles, we actively contribute to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future.

In September 2023, ISN actively supported the Nice Climate Summit, highlighting the crucial role of cities in combating climate change. With the support of major partners such as the Urban Community Nice Côte d'Azur, the Sud Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur Region, the City of Nice, and La Tribune, this initiative provided a platform to present our proposals for UNOC2025, in the presence of key figures such as Mr. Olivier Poivre d'Arvor, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic and Ambassador of France for the Oceans and the Poles, responsible for the consultation for UNOC25; Ms. Maty Diouf, Deputy Delegate for the Fight Against Discrimination, Women's Rights, Humanitarian Action, and Cooperation; Ms. Christiane Amiel-Dinges, Deputy Delegate for International Relations and Twinning. And Mr. Robert Beugre MAMBE, Prime Minister of Côte d'Ivoire.

In December 2023, ISN joined the "Le Quai d'Orsay - Hors Les Murs" program of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE), to discuss French Feminist Diplomacy in the Face of the Climate Emergency. This initiative allowed our students to broaden their perspectives on inclusive and sustainable solutions for ocean protection.

In February 2024, in Monaco, during the global finals of Junk Kouture, the ISN team brilliantly won the award for best performance with their creation "From Coastline to Wasteline." This "Mediterranean Blue Dress" embodies innovation, sustainability, and artistic expression by transforming recycled materials into haute couture. It carries a powerful ecological message, highlighting the essential role of women in preserving the maritime spaces of the Côte d'Azur and combating climate change.

In March 2024, during the Monaco Ocean Week, ISN participated in the consultation "Let's Be Nice to the Ocean Roundtable" presenting its ideas for integrating young activists in ocean conservation. This meeting was a key forum for collective reflection, allowing civil society organisations to contribute to concrete solutions.

In May 2024, ISN students became "Ambassadors of the Pelagos Sanctuary," partnering with the Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement to ensure effective governance and inclusive participation in this trilateral agreement between France, Monaco, and Italy.

The 26 and 27 of September 2024, ISN students, the leaders of tomorrow, will showcase their projects at the Nice Climate Summit 2025. They'll advocate for the inclusion of young women and ocean defenders in decision-making.

Students eagerly await the resolutions and outcomes of UNOC2025.

As ISN students continue to champion the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, they remain steadfast in their commitment to shaping a more sustainable and equitable future for our oceans and our planet. Their proactive engagement with global challenges underscores the vital role of youth in driving positive change and amplifying voices for ocean conservation and climate action. As we look towards UNOC2025 and beyond, ISN stands ready to lead by example, inspiring communities worldwide to join in the collective effort towards a healthier, more resilient marine environment for generations to come.

ISN is a proud member of Globeducate, who has developed a Global Agenda and formed partnerships with internationally recognised change-makers, with the aim of fulfilling their mission to address the United Nations´ Sustainable Development Goals.