Launch of the International Chair “LEX OCEANOPOLIS” during a Side Event on Ocean Governance at UNOC 2025
As part of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025), the Maritime and Oceanic Law Center (CDMO) of the University of Nantes, led by Professor Martin NDENDE, organized a major side event on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Faculty of Law and Political Science in Nice. The event focused on the theme: “Global Ocean Governance and Major Challenges of the 21st Century.”
High-level speakers led discussions on key topics such as:
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Ocean, climate and biodiversity: addressing the overlapping challenges;
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Protecting fishery resources from IUU (Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated) fishing;
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The challenges of decarbonizing maritime transport;
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Capacity building in ocean governance and the blue economy: The international experience of PROBLUE;
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and more.
This side event was attended by numerous representatives from institutions, international organizations, and partners such as: the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Port Autonome de Kribi (PAK), the World Bank, Autorité Portuaire Nationale (APN) of Cameroon, Institut de la Paix et du Développement (IdPD), Africa Blue Economy, the National Shippers’ Council of Cameroon (CNCC), Blue Women Africa, WIMAFRICA, Association Française du Droit Maritime, Bureau Veritas, and many others.
One of the highlights of this gathering was the official launch and inauguration of the International Chair “Lex Oceanopolis”, dedicated to ocean governance, maritime risk management, and the development of a sustainable blue economy.
The launch was moderated by Éric Chinje, a communication expert for the promotion of the blue economy.
Professor NDENDE expressed his deep gratitude, stating: “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for their valuable support to the World Bank, the United Nations, all the international organizations represented, the CDMO, my fellow academics and the academic community, the French Government, the French Association of Maritime Law (AFDM), Bureau Veritas, and finally to the Ministers of State and other foreign dignitaries who personally attended this joyful and unforgettable occasion.”
