This Conference will mark a pivotal moment to celebrate achievements and set joint priorities for the future of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), or ‘Ocean Decade’.

Unveiling the programme at the Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica were representatives from UNESCO, which coordinates the Ocean Decade, as well as authorities from the different Spanish administrations represented by the Director of the Spanish Institute of Oceanography of the National Research Council (IEO-CSIC), María del Carmen García Martínez; the General Director for Maritime Policy and Sustainable Fisheries at Government of Catalonia, Sergi Tudela; and the Deputy Mayor for Economy, Tax, Economic Promotion and Tourism at the Barcelona City Council, Jordi Valls.

During the three-day event, a new foundation will be created to strengthen sustainable ocean management, showcasing innovative and transformative science-driven solutions. With an expected attendance of 1,500 actors of the ocean community and partners, the Conference will serve as a global forum where governments, leaders, maritime sectors, universities, NGOs, the private sector and civil society will meet and new collaborations will be fostered, spurred by rich dialogue between science, policy and society.

Four sessions to face the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges

The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference is structured in four thematic sessions based on the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges, combining plenary and parallel sessions to delve into the outcomes of the Ocean Decade ‘Vision 2030’ process.

The sessions will also provide space to highlight ocean science initiatives and develop recommendations to chart a course for ocean conservation through knowledge sharing.

The Conference will feature the participation of 40 speakers of international renown from diverse backgrounds ranging from scientific and political to economic and social.

The first thematic session, titled Science and Solutions for a Clean, Healthy and Resilient Ocean, will focus on marine pollution, ecosystems and the ocean-climate nexus. The sustainable ocean economy, food and resilient communities will be the focus of the second session, titled Science and Solutions for a Sustainable and Resilient Ocean Economy. The third session of the Conference, Science and Solutions for a Safe and Predicted Ocean, will be dedicated to ocean observation, forecasting and early warning systems; while the last session will be related to capacity development, ocean literacy, Indigenous and local knowledge and cultural heritage under the title An Inspiring and Engaging Ocean for All.

Beyond the Conference: An entire Ocean Decade Week

The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference will be the culmination of a whole week of events that will take place in Barcelona from April 8 to 12, during which more than 130 Satellite Events will complement the official programme, both on-site at the CCIB on all three days of the Conference and off-site on April 8 and 9.

Off-site Satellite Events, many of which will be open to the general public, will be located in four main hubs around the city with a strong link to ocean science and solutions: the Ocean Hub, Sea Hub, Port Hub and City Hub.

The Satellite Events will be action-oriented and tangibly contribute to the final results of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference. They will provide additional forums for debate, networking and knowledge exchange, in various formats such as discussion panels, presentations, interactive workshops or dialogues, with the aim of cultivating a dynamic and inclusive environment for attendees to deepen their understanding, collaborate and contribute to the objectives of the Ocean Decade.

In addition to the 130 Satellite Events, over 300 posters will be displayed at the CCIB and over 100 oral presentations on ocean science solutions will enrich the programme’s parallel sessions.Read more.