Lalla Hasnaa and Emmanuel Macron co-chair the “Africa for the Ocean” summit in Nice
On June 9, 2025, Princess Lalla Hasnaa, representing King Mohammed VI, co-chaired in Nice alongside French President Emmanuel Macron the “Africa for the Ocean” summit. The event was held as part of the third United Nations Conference on the Oceans.
The opening ceremony brought together several African heads of state and government, along with high-level representatives of international organizations, to address maritime challenges facing the continent. On this occasion, Princess Lalla Hasnaa read the message sent by King Mohammed VI to the participants.
In his message, the Moroccan monarch stressed the urgency of responsible marine governance and called for the promotion of ocean resources to support Africa’s sustainable development. He also emphasized the need to preserve marine ecosystems in the face of climate change.
The summit also highlighted the importance of developing resilient and modern maritime infrastructure. Mobilizing sustainable financing emerged as a key priority to help African nations better manage their coasts and exclusive economic zones.
Topics discussed included ocean governance, fishery resource management, and the development of innovative partnerships between coastal and landlocked countries. Regional connectivity was underlined as a vital component of inclusive blue growth.
The event aimed to act as a catalyst for concrete solutions tailored to the specific challenges of African regions. It seeks to foster strategic partnerships between Africa and northern countries to ensure sustainable ocean protection.
Princess Lalla Hasnaa’s presence, as president of the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, reinforced the diplomatic and ecological importance of the initiative, reflecting Morocco’s ongoing commitment to climate and ocean issues.
This summit in Nice could mark a turning point in Africa-Europe environmental cooperation, placing the ocean at the heart of development and international solidarity policies.