New Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 targets critical ocean knowledge gaps and the science-policy nexus

With the 2025 UN Ocean Conference on the horizon, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) continues to scale up scientific knowledge, innovative solutions, and partnerships to support policy development and ocean governance.

Through its Barcelona Statement, which synthesises the outcomes of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, the Ocean Decade has translated the most pressing ocean issues into actionable steps for the global ocean community. This roadmap is guiding efforts to boost co-designed solutions, address infrastructure needs, and strengthen the science-policy-society interface.

Building on this foundation, the current Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 aims to accelerate ocean action in the priority areas identified in the Barcelona Statement and bolster the science-policy interface. The Call will mobilize new initiatives, strengthen existing Decade Actions, and increase coordination across Decade Programmes, ensuring continued progress toward the Ocean Decade’s ambitious goals and its lasting legacy beyond 2030.

Also, as part of this Call, Programmes and Projects that enhance scientific cooperation in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic are welcomed. Where relevant, such initiatives should highlight links to the soon to be launched Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025 – 2034) and the International Polar Year (2032 – 2033).

Structure of Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025

Part I – Expression of Interest for Decade Programmes

The process for proposing Decade Programmes involves two stages. First, applicants are invited to submit a short Expression of Interest that outlines:

• How the proposed Programme addresses relevant Decade Challenges, in line with the priorities of the Barcelona Statement and the broader Vision 2030 process;

• How it plans to collaborate with or create synergy among existing endorsed Decade Programmes;

• How the science and knowledge generated will support decision-making and contribute to sustainable development.

Programmes that enhance scientific cooperation in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic are welcomed. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full Programme proposal following a review process by the Decade Coordination Unit and Decade Advisory Board.

Part II – Ocean Decade Projects

At the Project level, 29 endorsed Decade Programmes – nearly half of all currently endorsed Programmes – are inviting submissions for Decade Projects. Please refer to the list below and Annex I of the Guidance Note for Applicants for full details.

Part III – Ocean Decade Contributions

The Call is soliciting submissions of financial or in-kind resources to support the Ocean Decade and/or the Decade Actions. Please see Annexes in the Guidance Note for more information.

How to take part in Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025

Interested parties should complete and submit the relevant online form on the Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 webpage. Please note that there are several different online forms and different deadlines depending on the type of Action you are submitting. 

During the preparation of submissions, we strongly encourage interested parties to consult and, where possible, collaborate with other institutions and partners working on common issues.

Applicants are also invited to attend one of the following Information Sessions where they will have an opportunity to ask questions on the Call:

• First session: 29 April 2025 at 09:30 – 10:30 (UTC) | Register here

• Second session: 30 April 2025 at 13:30 – 14:30 (UTC) | Register here

Click here for more information on the Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025

For additional information or queries, please contact oceandecade@unesco.org and include “Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025” in the subject line.