Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Earth Sciences, is leading the Indian delegation to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, from June 9-13, 2025. The focus of India's participation is on strengthening global ocean observation capabilities and promoting sustainable use of oceans. Dr. Singh held bilateral discussions with Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, where India committed to contributing through satellite-based technologies and in-situ observation systems. Discussions centered on enhancing scientific understanding of the Indian Ocean, climate studies, monsoon forecasting, and unlocking the blue economy's potential. Helgesen encouraged India to increase its role in the IOC's global coordination mechanisms. India aims to highlight its priorities in marine science, capacity building, and equitable access to ocean data during the conference.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Earth Sciences: Indian government ministry responsible for Earth sciences.
Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh: The Minister of Earth Sciences of India, Dr. Jitendra Singh.
UNESCO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Vidar Helgesen: UNESCO emissary.
India: The Republic of India.
UN Ocean Conference: United Nations Ocean Conference.
France: The French Republic, location of the UN Ocean Conference.
IOC: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences Independent Charge: Official title of Dr. Jitendra Singh
3rd United Nations Ocean Conference UNOC3: The 3rd iteration of the United Nations Ocean Conference.
Nice, France: City in France, location of the UNOC3.
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission IOC of UNESCO: A commission of UNESCO focused on oceanographic research and services.
Indian Ocean: A major ocean located between Africa, Asia and Australia.
Indo Pacific region: The region encompassing the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Costa Rica: Country co-hosting the UNOC3 with France.
Sustainable Development Goal 14: United Nations Sustainable Development Goal focused on conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources.
NKRPSM: An identifier for the release.
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and the
UNESCO emissary Vidar Helgesen hold bilateral
with focus on conservation of oceans
The meeting centred around enhancing global ocean
observation capabilities, with India expressing its
commitment to contribute through both satellite-
based technologies and in-situ observation systems
India Pushes for Stronger Global Ocean Cooperation
at UN Ocean Conference in France
Dr. Jitendra Singh, IOC Chief Discuss India’s Role in
Strengthening Global Ocean Observation Systems
Dr. Jitendra Singh is expected to participate in a
series of multilateral engagements during the week,
underlining India’s priorities in marine science,
capacity building, and equitable access to ocean
data
Posted On: 09 JUN 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), Dr. Jitendra Singh and the UNESCO emissary Vidar
Helgesen held a bilateral today with focus on conservation of oceans.
Leading the Indian delegation to the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), Dr Jitendra Singh is
currently in Nice, France. The high-level conference, being held from June 9 to 13, is deliberating on
advancing global efforts for the sustainable use of oceans.
Dr. Jitendra Singh held bilateral discussions with Mr. Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the Inter-governmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. The meeting centred around enhancing global
ocean observation capabilities, with India expressing its commitment to contribute through both satellite-
based technologies and in-situ observation systems.
Speaking during the interaction, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted India’s efforts to improve scientific
understanding of the Indian Ocean, particularly in the context of climate studies and monsoon forecasting.
“Strengthening ocean observation infrastructure is crucial not only for better climate prediction but also for
unlocking the economic potential of the blue economy,” he noted.
Helgesen, in turn, encouraged India to play a more active role in contributing to the IOC’s global coordination
mechanisms, particularly in the areas of data sharing, ocean services, and regional observation efforts. The
conversation underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing challenges such as sea
level rise, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss.
India’s participation at the UNOC3 comes at a time when coastal states are increasingly recognizing the
strategic and economic value of oceans. With its extensive coastline and significant dependence on the
monsoon cycle, India is positioning itself as a key player in global ocean governance, particularly in the Indo-
Pacific region.The conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, brings together heads of state, ministers, scientists, and
civil society leaders to discuss ways to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goal 14 – to conserve
and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources.
Dr. Jitendra Singh is expected to participate in a series of multilateral engagements during the week,
underlining India’s priorities in marine science, capacity building, and equitable access to ocean data.
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NKR/PSM
(Release ID: 2135183)