Navigating Common Waters: Ocean Science Diplomacy for a Sustainable Common Future
This side event aims to explore the emerging field of ocean science diplomacy bringing together researchers, diplomats, practitioners and others operating on the science-policy nexus. Registration is now open!
Main content
The side event is organised by:
University of Bergen
Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Oceânicas – INPO
with co-organisers
International Science Council (ISC)
International Association of Universities (IAU)
United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI)
EU Science Diplomacy Alliance
Nippon Foundation–University of Edinburgh Ocean Voices Programme
Ocean science diplomacy has emerged as a critical mechanism to bridge scientific knowledge, international cooperation, and effective governance to ensure a sustainable ocean. As ocean challenges transcend borders, diplomacy rooted in knowledge-based evidence is critical to innovate in dealing with marine environmental tipping points.
This side event will promote the role of ocean science diplomacy as a venue for balanced cooperation and enhanced implementation of SDG 14 across the 2030 Agenda. The session will showcase innovative solutions to unite actors across sectors, regions, and generations, ensuring a balanced Global North-South approach amid a shifting global order where ocean governance is ever more crucial for sustainability.
Objectives:
- Promote Science-Policy Interface: Explore how science diplomacy can foster partnerships across nations and sectors to support SDG 14, with a focus on science-based decision-making.
- South-North Cooperation: Highlight partnerships between SIDS, Global South countries, and Northern actors in equitably addressing cross-border ocean challenges.
- Gender and Intergenerational Inclusion: Emphasize the role of women and ECOPs in ocean science diplomacy initiatives.
- Education and the future of Ocean Science Diplomacy in the current World Order
The event is on Wednesday 11 June from 13:30 to 15:00 (side event) and 15:00–16:00 (networking reception) at Université Côte d’Azur, Campus Saint Jean d’Angely, 06300 Nice. The event will be moderated by Policy Director Peter Haugan from Norway's Institute of Marine Research and former IOC-UNESCO Chair (2015-2019).
Programme:
1. Opening Remarks (10 minutes)
- Sverre Ole Drønen, University of Bergen, Norway
- Andrei Polejack, INPO – Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Oceânicas, Brazil
2. Roundtable discussions (50 minutes)
- Peter Haugan, Policy Director, Institute of Marine Research, Norway (moderator)
Speakers include:
- Imraan Patel, DST, South Africa
- Melania Guerra, Climate Analytics, Germany (Costa Rica)
- Ibukun Adewumi, IOCAfrica, Nigeria
- Mònica Pons Hernandez, University of Bergen, Norway (Spain)
- Awnesh Singh, University of the South Pacific, Fiji
- Maila Guilhon, Ocean Voices, UK (Brazil)
3. Q&A with the audience (20 minutes)
4. Wrap up (6 minutes)
5. Key Takeaways and Closing Remarks (4 minutes)
6. Networking reception (60 minutes)
