Sailing Together for Sustainable Future: Ocean Race Finale in Montenegro

Tivat, 15 September 2025

The UN team in Montenegro joined forces with the prestigious regatta Ocean Race to highlight that sustainability begins with each of us. More than a competition, the Ocean Race is a global stage for science, education, and environmental action — with sustainable development at its heart.

From the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the race culminated in Tivat, Montenegro, shining a spotlight on the power of partnerships, the importance of coastal preservation, and the richness of Montenegro’s maritime heritage.

At the opening of the Grand Finale, UN Resident Coordinator in Montenegro, Caroline Tissot, reminded that the Montenegrin coast is more than a beautiful landscape – it is a lifeline.

"Although small in size, Montenegro is rich in natural resources. Every coastal nation – large or small – has a role to play in preserving our seas and oceans. Unfortunately rising temperatures, pollution, and plastic waste are pushing marine ecosystems to the brink,” said Tissot, emphasizing that only together can we succeed. 

“The oceans belong to all humanity and must be protected collectively. Just as sailors work together to navigate the waves, so too must nations and communities unite to safeguard our shared lifeline – the ocean,” Tissot said.

The UN team inaugurated the UN Pavilion Journey Through Sustainable Development at the Ocean Live Park, where visitors can explore an immersive installation created by Montenegrin conceptual artist Ivan Šuković.

„The multimedia installation is designed not just to inform, but to also provoke reflection on our personal contribution to sustainability,“ Šuković said.

Sustainable development, strong partnerships, coastal preservation, and Montenegro’s maritime heritage are at the heart of this prestigious sailing finale, which positions Tivat and the Bay of Kotor on the global nautical map.

As stated by the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Filip Radulović, “the Ocean Race Europe 2025 is more than a sports regatta, it is a symbol of connecting culture, people and tradition.”

The Ocean Race director Richard Brisius stressed out that for 50 years the race has been exploring new ways to connect the world. 

"At Ocean Race, we are firmly committed to restoring the health of the oceans. We cannot have a healthy planet without a healthy ocean. Together, we have brought to Boka not only a race, but also a mission to protect the ocean," stressed Richard Brisius, director of Ocean Race.

With safeguarding the ocean at its core, the Ocean Race finale underscores Montenegro’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 14, showcasing how local action, partnerships, and maritime tradition can contribute to global solutions.