Live Ocean Founders Peter Burling and Blair Tuke take part at UN Ocean Conference

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, champion sailors and founders of Live Ocean have just spent three days at the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) held in Nice, France running from 9-13 June. 

Having established Live Ocean more than five years ago, Burling and Tuke were invited to take part and speak at multiple events within the UNOC line-up.   

They included an ‘Ocean House – Nightcap’ which brought together athletes and changemakers who are turning sporting influence into ocean impact, a session on ‘The Power of Sport as a Key Convenor’ hosted by The Ocean Race, and they took part in another that showcased the vital importance of deep ocean seamounts hosted by the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition.    

The pair are unique in that they speak not only as athletes using their voice to champion ocean health, but as co-founders of an ocean conservation organisation with an established track record of backing science and innovation projects in New Zealand.

Blair Tuke says, “The UN Ocean Conference is our opportunity to take part in the global conversation about ocean health, and it was a privilege to speak and attend a number of the events. There’s a lot that happens in the big forums with the political leaders, and events outside of that where NGOs cross over with policymakers too.” 

“We met others from all parts of the globe, connected to all the different oceans around the world – people trying to do similar things to drive action for a healthy ocean. The knowledge sharing and people working together is one of the highlights of these events.”  

Burling and Tuke were among other international sports stars attending and taking part and Burling explains it, “Sport is an amazing platform for being able to connect people to issues. As an athlete it gives you that extra purpose while you’re out competing, and through your audience, you can really help them get behind the issues and that can influence decision-makers.”  

“It’s been amazing to see how much energy there is here. I’ve been inspired by hearing so many different stories and really look forward to carrying that energy forward and continuing to make positive change.” 

The UN Ocean Conference gathers the who’s who of the climate, ocean and policy communities including governments, policy makers, international NGO’s, celebrities and Heads of State from around the world and 2025 marks the midway point in the ocean decade. The conference is made up of many events and side events, allowing people to share ideas, experiences, perspectives and knowledge across borders.