What to look out for at the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference

In its fourth year of implementation, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’), led by UNESCO Ocean , the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, has already galvanized thousands of partners around the world to start delivering the science we need for the ocean we want.

As we approach the halfway point of the Ocean Decade, the time is now ripe to address key questions: What have been the main achievements since the launch of the Ocean Decade? What should be the key areas for action over the next three to five years?

The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, hosted by the Government of Spain in Barcelona from 10-12 April 2024, will bring together the global Ocean Decade community and partners to celebrate and take stock of progress, and collectively set joint priorities for the future of the global movement. It will be the highlight of an entire Ocean Decade Week taking place on 8-12 April 2024 throughout the city.

An important milestone on the path to 2030, the event is structured around four thematic sessions covering the full range of Ocean Decade Challenges, including critical issues such as climate change, food security, sustainable management of biodiversity, sustainable ocean economy, pollution and natural hazards. It will create a new foundation to strengthen the sustainable management of the ocean and drive science-based innovation, from global to local, leaving no one behind.

During the Conference, make sure to follow us on X for live updates! We will be sharing programme details, key highlights and daily roundups, complementing the Earth Negotiations Bulletin’s team at the International Institute for Sustainable Development who will cover the detailed proceedings on their website and X account. We are also happy to announce that our partner Fugro will have its own podcast booth at the Conference venue, where they will record interviews with speakers and participants for a daily shortcast at the end of each of the three days, and five longer episodes by World Oceans Day on 8 June.?

In the meantime, to help you plan your time while in Barcelona, here are 10 of the key moments to look out for during the Conference.

1. Ocean Decade Vision 2030: Key insights

Through our ‘Vision 2030’ process, we have worked for a year with the global ocean community to identify a common measure of success for each of the Decade Challenges and shape what is next for the Ocean Decade. The first set of findings from this collaborative work will be presented during four thematic plenaries:

• Session 1: Science and Solutions for a Clean, Healthy and Resilient Ocean
• Session 2: Science and Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economy
• Session 3: Science and Solutions for a Safe and Predicted Ocean
• Session 4: An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean for All

Each plenary will be complemented by a series of parallel sessions on the same topic. Crucially, discussions happening during these ‘Science Solutions Forums’ and throughout the Conference will inform the final ‘Vision 2030 roadmap’ which will outline the Ocean Decade priorities to 2030. ?

If you are not attending in-person, you'll have the opportunity to attend and contribute online. Click here to see how to contribute online to the Vision 2030 discussions.

2. Collaborating for the ocean: Deepening existing partnerships and fostering new ones

Partnerships and collaboration for the ocean are at the heart of the Ocean Decade. With a dedicated plenary session on the topic, the Conference will be a key milestone to re-affirm existing partnerships and foster new ones.

3. From the field: 100 ocean solutions

A hundred ocean professionals will showcase the groundbreaking ocean solutions they're working on in a series of short presentations?happening throughout the three days of the Conference. These presentations will provide a snapshot of the inspiring work done under the 10 Challenges of the Ocean Decade.

4. Posters: The power of visual storytelling

Participants to the Conference will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of visual storytelling with poster displays. These dynamic presentations offer a snapshot of groundbreaking research, innovative projects, and transformative initiatives shaping the future of ocean science and sustainability.

5. Access to funding: New opportunities?

The Ocean Decade aims to serve as a catalyst for mobilizing financial resources to advance ocean science and knowledge. During the Conference, we will unveil new avenues for funding with partners, including a funding opportunity through the Government of Ireland to support Caribbean Small Island Developing States in co-designing effective science-based ocean solutions.?

6. Ocean policy and knowledge: Release of new reports?

The Conference will be a platform for sharing knowledge and provide access to the latest ocean policy knowledge. This will include:??

• The launch of a report on ocean and human health by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which will provide an opportunity to centre the ocean as a solution to key global issues – an inspiration for new medicines, technologies, materials, energy, food, and source of economic stability.?
• The launch of the progress report of the European Commission’s Digital Twin of the Ocean initiative.?
• A report on capacity building for deep-sea science in Africa co-led by the Ocean Decade Programme? and the African Ocean Decade Taskforce.?

7. Connecting with early-career ocean professionals

The Ocean Decade Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme has an?exciting line-up of events for young ocean professionals to meet, discuss career advancement and connect with a global community of seasoned ocean experts.??

8. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO at the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference??

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, which coordinates the Ocean Decade, is organizing?a series of events showcasing how to deliver the science we need for the ocean we want through best practices and success stories, including the Ocean Communications Symposium (8 April) and the?5th Ocean Literacy Dialogues (8-9 April).

9. 2024 Ocean Decade Week: over 120 events across Barcelona???

Ocean Decade Week, happening on 8-12 April in the sidelines of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, will feature over 120 Satellite Events in 18 venues across the city, including:?

• Photo, design and art exhibitions?
• Educational and interactive experiences for families to learn about the ocean together?
• Events for ocean professionals to meet and connect?
• Roundtables and talks?
• And much more!??

Browse the events by location, Hub or type here.?

10. Beyond the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference: the Barcelona Statement?

One of the main outcomes of the Conference will be the ‘Barcelona Statement’, which will highlight the key points raised the Conference and outline a vision for what needs to be done to deliver the science we need for the ocean we want by 2030. The Barcelona Statement will be issued during the ‘Closing Segment - Charting a Vision to 2030’ of the Closing Plenary on 12 April from 17:00 to 18:00.?

Join the conversation online with #OceanDecade24. We count on all of you to engage, share insights and advance the implementation of the Ocean Decade to deliver the science we need for the ocean we want by 2030 and beyond!?