Thousands to gather for UN Ocean Conference to launch a fleet of innovative solutions to stop rapid decline of our ocean’s health

The ocean – our biggest ally against climate change – is in serious trouble. The UN Ocean Conference (27 June to 1 July), co-hosted by Portugal and Kenya, is a unique opportunity to boost collective efforts and find science-based solutions to effectively address the challenges that the ocean is now facing.

According to the World Meteorological Organization’s State of the Global Climate 2021 report, the world’s oceans in 2021 grew to their warmest and most acidic levels on record. Carbon emissions from human activities are causing ocean warming, acidification and oxygen loss, which in turn threaten organisms and ecosystem services, and negatively impact food security, the tourism industry and the economy.

The science is clear: the ocean — critical to combatting climate change, boosting economic growth and reducing biodiversity loss — is seriously degraded, and if present trends continue, there will be catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Heads of Government and State together with leaders from the private sector, the scientific community and other partners will gather at the Conference to chart a new pathway that would ensure the protection and conservation of the ocean and its resources.

In addition to plenary sessions, there will be 8 interactive dialogues focusing on a wide range of ocean issues: from addressing marine pollution to promoting ocean-based economies to increasing scientific knowledge and transfer of marine technology.  These dialogues offer individuals and communities opportunities to forge bold commitments to advance ocean action.

The official programme will be accompanied by four special events focusing on youth, the sustainable blue economy, fresh- and saltwater interlinkages and ocean action at the local and regional level.

• Youth and Innovation Forum, Cascais, Portugal (24-26 June)

• Localising Action for the Ocean: Local and Regional Governments Forum, Matosinhos, Portugal (25 June)

• High-Level Symposium on Water, Lisbon, Portugal (27 June)

• Sustainable Blue Economy Investment Forum, Cascais, Portugal (28 June)

• Website: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022
• Programme: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022/programme
• Follow live (Official Programme): UN WebTV
• Media corner: https://www.un.org/en/conferences/ocean2022/media
• #SaveOurOcean Actions: https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/5-actions-you-can-take-to-saveourocean/