Ocean Accounts will take centre stage at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France.

Under the theme “Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”, UNOC3 — co-hosted by the Governments of France and Costa Rica — will highlight the importance of collective engagement and integrated ocean governance. In this context, Ocean Accounts emerge as a vital instrument to promote a truly sustainable blue economy.

Going beyond traditional Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Ocean Accounts offer a powerful and innovative approach to integrate economic, environmental, and social dimensions into the decision-making processes.

By enabling more consistent and meaningful data, they help countries to measure progress towards a sustainable ocean development and assess the true impact of ocean economy activities.

Aligned with international standards, namely the UN System of National Accounts and the UN System of Environmental Economic Accounting, Ocean Accounts would support the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 14 (Life Below Water), and the other related SDGs, as well as directly contributing to meeting Target 14 of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

The UNOC3 side event — “Delivering on the 2030 Sustainable Ocean Economy: Pledge to Develop Ocean Accounts by 2030” — will bring together countries and organisations at the forefront of ocean accounting.

From diverse geographies, including Small Island Developing States, participating countries will present real-world experiences in designing and implementing their Ocean Accounts systems, each reflecting their national priorities and institutional capacities.

In March 2025, Costa Rica initiated the Pledge to Advance Ocean Accounts by 2030, with the support of over 120 delegates from 30 countries. This side event at UNOC3 marks the official launch of the Pledge as a new Voluntary Ocean Commitment, aiming to broaden international participation and highlight real-world implementation and ambition.

The pledge states “We the signatories commit to: Advance ocean accounts by 2030 in alignment with national priorities, consider ocean accounts data in decision making processes and support efforts that enhance capacity and share knowledge to improve global capacities”.

On behalf of all signatories, Costa Rica will formally present this Pledge, reinforcing the global movement towards more integrated and meaningful approaches to ocean governance and a bold contribution to advancing a sustainable ocean economy and moblising financial resources at scale.

By adopting Ocean Accounts, countries commit to go beyond GDP, using data-driven tools to better manage their maritime space, in alignment with shared global goals for sustainable development.

We invite all interested countries and organisations to join us on this ambitious journey and sign the Pledge for ocean accounts. More information can be found on the Pledge Website https://www.oceanaccounts.org/the-pledge-to-advance-ocean-accounts-by-2030/ or by contacting the Global Ocean Accounts Partnership team phil.james@unsw.edu.au or m.feoli_martinez@unsw.edu.au.