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 offers 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 will bring together leading voices from across sectors to share perspectives, inspire new collaborations and help turn ambition into action.
The afternoon concludes with a screening of Ocean Dreams followed by a reception and continued exchange among participants.
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
Sanna Thimmig Johansen, CEO, Voice of the Ocean Foundation
Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC-UNESCO, and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
Keynote
Kestutis Sadauskas, Deputy Director-General, European Commission -DG MARE
Keynote
Robert Blasiak, Associate professor Stockholm Resilience Centre, UN Ocean Decade Advisory Board
Inspiring Ocean Stewardship: Building Ocean Literacy Through Education & Collaboration
Moderators: Marika Griehsel & Lena Scherman, Deep Sea Reporter
Keynote
Leandro Bortolozo 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 discussion: Inspiring Ocean Stewardship
Géraldine Fauville, Associate Professor, University of Gothenburg
Justin Edwards, Director of Learning Experiences, Minecraft Education (Ocean Heroes)
Karen Evans, Head of Ocean Science, IOC-UNESCO
Patricia Ricard, President, Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute
Janaina Bumbeer, Project Manager, Boticario Group Foundation
Afternoon break
GO Ocean film & Campaign Introduction
Louise Biddle, Voice of the Ocean Foundation
From Observation to Action: Building the Partnerships Our Ocean Needs
Moderators: Marika Griehsel & Lena Scherman, Deep Sea Reporter
Keynote Ocean Observations
Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of the IOC-UNESCO, and Assistant Director-General of UNESCO
Panel discussion: From Observation to Action, Building the Partnerships Our Ocean Needs
Lina Mtwana Nordlund, Associate Professor, Uppsala University
Laurent Béguery, Science Director, ALSEAMAR
Martin Koehring, Head of Sustainable Finance, ODI Global
Justin Manley, Senior Advisor, Oceankind
Alexis Valauri-Orton, Program Officer, 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
