About the Forum

The United Nations Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue is a unique global convening of philanthropic foundations committed to advancing the vision of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030): the science we need for the ocean we want.

Facilitated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the Dialogue brings together leading foundations from around the world to strengthen collaboration, mobilize resources and explore how philanthropy can accelerate ocean action during this decisive decade.

Hosted by Voice of the Ocean, the Opening Forum offered a unique opportunity for leaders from government, business, science, finance, philanthropy and civil society to engage with members of this influential global network and explore the partnerships, investments and collaborations needed to address the most pressing challenges facing our ocean.

At a time when the need for ocean solutions has never been greater, the forum brought together leading voices from across sectors to share perspectives, inspire new collaborations and help turn ambition into action.

The afternoon concluded with a screening of Ocean Dreams.

During the forum, the GO Ocean campaign was launched. A campaign to build awareness, engagement and ultimately increased funding for sustained ocean observations. 

Pictures from the Event

These photos are free to use. When publishing or sharing them, please credit Voice of the Ocean Foundation as the photo source.

Recording of From Depth To Action

This is an unedited recording of the full opening forum From Depth To Action. The subtitles are auto-transcribed, errors may occur.

About the United Nations Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue

Established within the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, the Foundations Dialogue is an informal network of philanthropic organisations working together to support ocean science, collaboration and action. Through annual convenings and ongoing collaboration, members explore how philanthropy can help create the partnerships and enabling conditions needed to achieve the Ocean Decade’s ambitions for a healthy and resilient ocean.

Programme

12.45 Doors open

13.00 From Depth to Action: Our Collective Role in Understanding & Protecting our Ocean
Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary, IOC-UNESCO
Sanna Thimmig Johansen, CEO, Voice of the Ocean Foundation

Keynote: OceanEye: a European Commission Initiative to Support our Global Ocean
Kestutis Sadauskas, Deputy Director-General, European Commission -DG MARE

Keynote: The Peacebuilding Potential of Ocean Science Collaboration
Robert Blasiak, Associate Professor, Stockholm Resilience Centre & UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board

OCEAN LITERACY BLOCK

Inspiring Ocean Stewardship: Building Ocean Literacy Through Education & Collaboration
Moderators: Marika Griehsel & Lena Scherman, Deep Sea Reporter

Keynote: Beyond Education: Ocean Literacy as a Pathway to Connection and Action
Leandro Pedron, Director of Thematic Programs at the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation
(MCTI), and Brazilian Government Coordinator for the 2027 UN Ocean Decade Conference

Panel: Inspiring Ocean Stewardship: Building Ocean Literacy Through Education & Collaboration
Géraldine Fauville, Associate Professor, University of Gothenburg
Justin Edwards, Co-Lead and Director, Minecraft Education
Karen Evans, Head of Ocean Science, IOC-UNESCO
Patricia Ricard, President, Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
Janaina Bumbeer, Project Manager, Boticario Group Foundation

Afternoon break

OCEAN OBSERVATION BLOCK

GO Ocean film & Campaign Launch
Louise Biddle, Science Lead, Voice of the Ocean Foundation

From Observation to Action: Building the Partnerships Our Ocean Needs
Moderators: Marika Griehsel & Lena Scherman, Deep Sea Reporter

Keynote: The Ocean: The Biggest & Most Important Thing that We Know the Least About
Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of IOC-UNESCO

Panel: From Observation to Action, Building the Partnerships Our Ocean Needs
Lina Mtwana Nordlund, Associate Professor, Uppsala University
Laurent Béguery, Scientific Director, ALSEAMAR
Martin Koehring, Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Centre for Private Finance in Development, ODI Global
Justin Manley, Senior Advisor, Oceankind
Kaitlyn Lowder, Program Manager, The Ocean Foundation

Conclusion of the day

Exclusive screening of the new IMAX film Ocean Dreams

17.00 Cocktail reception
Venue closes at 19:00