Global Dialogues on Resilient SIDS and Ocean Sustainability: ICSI at UNOC3 and ICDRI 2025

The health of our oceans and the resilience of our coastal and infrastructure systems are at a critical crossroads. As climate change accelerates and environmental pressures intensify, the need for integrated, nature-positive, and inclusive solutions has never been greater. In June, ICSI engaged in two global events – the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) – both held in Nice, France. These conferences convened a diverse group of global leaders, policymakers, scientists, businesses, and civil society actors to foster innovative dialogue and collaboration aimed at shaping a sustainable and resilient future. 

ICSI participated in high-level panels and technical sessions where we shared and gained insights on building ocean economies and infrastructure that are regenerative, inclusive and adaptive to climate and disaster risks. From promoting nature-positive engineering to supporting collaboration across sectors for a resilient blue economy and sustainable infrastructure, our discussions highlighted how important it is to connect engineering knowledge, science, policy, and finance. Here’s an overview of the key sessions where ICSI played a part.

Organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), ICDRI 2025 brought together global leaders and experts to explore ways to strengthen infrastructure systems against increasing climate and disaster risks, with a particular focus on coastal regions and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Key themes included access to finance, nature-based infrastructure solutions (NbIS), data and early warning systems, and infrastructure standards and codes. Savina Carluccio moderated a technical session on ‘Securing the Resilience Dividend’, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities facing SIDS and coastal areas.

The theme of UNOC3 was ‘Accelerating action and mobilising all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean’. The conference supported urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. Savina Carluccio was invited to speak at a number of official UNOC3 side events.

Building Resilient Coastal Infrastructure: Bridging Science, Policy and Finance for Climate Adaptation

This session was hosted by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), CDRI, and the Ministry of Earth Sciences – India. Savina was invited to share insights on future-proofing coastal resilience by considering climate-nature combined futures and upskilling engineers to deliver hybrid green–grey infrastructure solutions at scale.

Aligning Business, Policy, and Finance for a Regenerative Blue Economy

ICSI co-hosted this high-level side event alongside Friends of Ocean Action – a group of ocean leaders convened under the Ocean Action Agenda of the World Economic Forum. The event focused on advancing a regenerative ocean economy and scaling private sector contributions to SDG 14 (Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development). The session brought together leaders to explore innovative, cross-sectoral collaboration.

Turning Ideas into Action – Championing the Role of Engineers in Building a Safe and Sustainable Ocean Economy

This side event was hosted by Lloyd’s Register Foundation. Savina Carluccio shared emerging findings from the forthcoming Nature-Positive Engineering (NPE) Foresight Review – to be published later this summer – highlighting the role of engineering in protecting, restoring, and enhancing nature while supporting societal well-being. 

Also at this event, Dr. Darshana Godaliyadde, Director of the Resilience4Ports (R4P) programme, shared an insightful overview of R4P’s vision, strategic direction, and call to action, highlighting its vital role in shaping the future of port resilience.

Accelerating the Transition to Nature- and People-Positive Ports

Hosted by Friends of Ocean Action and moderated by Savina Carluccio, this panel featured port authorities, businesses, and supporting organisations sharing how they are integrating nature-based solutions, community engagement, and maritime safety into port ecosystems.

Insights from Landscape Approaches to Foster Sustainable Practices Across Actors and Priorities

At this online event, hosted by the United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability, Savina Carluccio spoke about how nature-positive engineering can enhance socio-ecological resilience, highlighting practical strategies for sustainable ocean governance through landscape-level collaboration.

Thank you to all our collaborators and partners for making these engagements possible.