Dr. Marc Williams of St. Kitts Delivers Impactful Address at UN Oceans Conference in Nice, France

Dr. Thomas Marc Xavier Williams, Executive Director of the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), made a significant impact at the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC-3) held in Nice, France, in June 2025. His insightful presentation solidified his position as a leading expert in marine resource management, not just within the Caribbean region, but on the global stage. The conference, themed “Blueprints for the Future: Marine Spatial Planning, Financing, Ocean Data-Driven Decision-Making, and Global Cooperation,” provided a platform for discussions on critical issues surrounding ocean sustainability. Dr. Williams’ presence and contribution highlighted the Caribbean’s commitment to ocean conservation and its proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by small island developing states (SIDS). His participation was particularly poignant given his prior political marginalization in his home country of St. Kitts and Nevis, adding a layer of personal triumph to his professional achievements.

Dr. Williams’ presentation emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental, economic, and cultural values inherent in ocean resources. He underscored the imperative for sustainable management practices, advocating for data-driven decision-making, inclusive stakeholder engagement, and long-term financial planning that considers the well-being of future generations. His expertise, garnered through years of research and practical experience, resonated with policymakers, industry leaders, and international investors present at the conference. His call for a comprehensive and integrated approach to ocean governance highlighted the necessity of balancing economic development with environmental protection.

The high-level side event, co-hosted by several regional organizations including the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the University of the West Indies (UWI), the CRFM, and the Pacific Islands Development Forum, showcased the Caribbean Regional Oceanscape Project (CROP), a collaborative effort focused on marine spatial planning and conservation within the Caribbean region. Dr. Williams shared the stage with other distinguished experts, including Dr. Branson Belle from UWI, Ambassador Dean Jonas of Antigua & Barbuda, and OECS Programme Director Susanna De Beauville-Scott. Their collective insights and experiences provided a comprehensive overview of the region’s progress in sustainable ocean management.

The UNOC-3 provided a platform for discussing critical solutions to the myriad challenges facing small island states, particularly in relation to climate change and marine threats. The discussions focused on four key areas: Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), ocean governance financing mechanisms, the utilization of high-quality data for policy and decision-making, and the importance of inter-regional and global cooperation. These thematic areas reflect a growing understanding that effective ocean management requires a multi-faceted approach encompassing scientific research, policy development, financial investment, and international collaboration.

Dr. Williams’ prominent role at the conference serves as a testament to his resilience and dedication. Having been previously sidelined politically in St. Kitts and Nevis after contesting elections in 2022, his subsequent appointment as Executive Director of the CRFM and his impactful presence at UNOC-3 mark a significant turnaround. His leadership on the international stage, representing not only St. Kitts and Nevis but the entire Caribbean region, stands in stark contrast to his prior marginalization, highlighting the importance of recognizing and utilizing expertise regardless of political considerations. This juxtaposition underscored his personal journey from political obscurity to international recognition.

The UNOC-3 provided a global platform for Dr. Williams to showcase the Caribbean’s leadership in ocean governance and sustainable development. His presentation underscored the importance of integrating scientific knowledge, policy frameworks, and financial mechanisms to achieve sustainable ocean management goals. His vocal advocacy for regional cooperation and global partnerships emphasizes the interconnectedness of ocean health and the need for collective action to address the complex challenges facing marine ecosystems. Dr. Williams’ impactful presence at UNOC-3 not only elevates the Caribbean’s voice on the global stage but also serves as a powerful example of the transformative potential of resilience, expertise, and dedication. His story resonates as a call to recognize and empower individuals with the vision and capacity to contribute meaningfully to global challenges, ensuring that talent and expertise are prioritized over political maneuvering.