The Government of Bermuda London Office is pleased to advise that two young Bermudians, Mr Jasaiah Durham and Mr Matthew Nagel, were selected to attend the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
They represented the youth of Bermuda at this high-level international forum, which took place from June 9 – 13, 2025.
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, convened global stakeholders to accelerate action and mobilize all actors in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Work with the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), upon which Bermuda is represented by the Government of Bermuda London Office, uncovered that the UK Overseas Territories contains 94% of the UK’s overall biodiversity. The Government’s presence on UKOTA ensures that such opportunities of benefit to Bermudians are achieved through collective action.
As a result of these efforts, the GO Programme, which is mobilising youth from the European Union Overseas Countries and Territories through its EU-funded Youth Network, has extended its support to include youth from the UK Overseas Territories. The Programme fully sponsored the participation of select UK OT youth delegates, including Mr Durham and Mr Nagel, at the Conference. Youth delegates from Montserrat and Saint Helena were also underwritten to attend.
Mr Durham and Mr Nagel’s significant achievement is the result of sustained and strategic advocacy to ensure that the voices of Bermuda’s youth are heard on the global stage. The Government of Bermuda London Office continues to advocate for opportunities for young Bermudians to engage in international diplomacy and environmental stewardship, and this selection and participation is a tangible outcome of such efforts.
Ms Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative for the Government of Bermuda, said, “I extend sincere congratulations to Mr Durham and Mr Nagel on both their selection and exemplary contribution to the UN Oceans Conference as the youth of UK Overseas Territories. Our continued diplomatic presence allows us to capitalise on these opportunities for young Bermudians to have their voice heard in global dialogues.”
Jasiah Durham said, “The experience allowed me to bring Bermuda’s voice and the voice of small island communities facing disproportionate environmental challenges into critical global discussions on ocean conservation, climate change, and sustainable development. I am deeply proud to have contributed to these conversations and to advocate for stronger international cooperation that ensures the long-term health of our oceans.”
And Matthew Nagel shared, “Bermudians have long led the way in sustainability and the protection of the high seas, and it is critical that we claim our seat at the table for these discussions to ensure that we are not neglected by those who contribute the most to the climate disasters. I am honoured to have represented my home at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, and I can’t thank the Green Overseas programme and the Government of Bermuda enough for this opportunity.”