The Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) was held from June 9 to 13, 2025, in Nice, France, aiming to drive urgent action to protect marine resources and ecosystems and explore innovative pathways to support Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14). Co-hosted by Global Youth Philanthropy (GYP) and multiple Chinese and international institutions, the UN Ocean Conference side event titled "Generation Blue: Educating and Empowering Youth for Ocean Conservation" was held in a hybrid (online-offline) format on June 8, coinciding with World Oceans Day, connecting participants from around the globe. The event focused on the critical role of the youth in enhancing ocean literacy. Through dialogues among youth leaders, marine scientists, and policymakers, it showcased innovative educational models and cross-sectoral collaboration to advance youth leadership in ocean conservation. The side event attracted participation from renowned guests, including Professor Vladimir Ryabinin, former Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO; Ms. Valentina Lovat, senior expert from the UNESCO "Universal Ocean Literacy" program; and expert representatives from countries including China, the US, the UK, Canada, and Indonesia.

At the event, Prof. Liu Zhenghua, Researcher Fellow at Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, China and Chief Scientist of the APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center, delivered a keynote speech titled "Marine Ecosystem Protection and Blue Citizen Action". He introduced the Blue Citizen Initiative and latest Blue Citizen Community projects, calling on all parties to join as partners in the Blue Citizen Initiative to contribute to cultivating ocean-literate Blue Citizens and responsibly sharing the benefits of the ocean.

It is reported that since the launch of the Blue Citizen Initiative in 2023, the APEC Marine Sustainable Development Center has hosted Blue Citizen-themed side events at the 9th Our Ocean Conference and the 8th China-Southeast Asia Countries Marine Cooperation Forum, while implementing the initiative jointly with multiple partners. The APEC Marine Center will continue its efforts, working with all stakeholders through diverse projects, programs, and activities to enhance youth ocean literacy and participation in conservation actions, contributing to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.