Conserving the diversity of life on Earth and ocean health is critical to global human welfare, yet essential resources are at risk from the direct results of unsustainable practices. Sustainable development cannot be achieved by technological solutions, political regulation or financial instruments alone. We need to change the way we think and act.

UNESCO is leading the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. 

The 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28)

COP28 will take place in Dubai, UAE, from 30 November – 12 December 2023, bringing the world together at a critical moment for global transformative climate action.

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO together with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development will host a series of flagship ocean side events at COP28.

Corals bleaching/ Ethan Daniels
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UN Ocean Conference 2022_DG_Maya
Panorama of boy running away from big ocean wave at the beach
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission

The IOC is the United Nations body responsible for supporting global ocean science and services.

UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)

The UN Ocean Decade will unlock knowledge solutions to create the Ocean We Want.

Underwater Cultural Heritage

The world’s water bodies make up the planet`s largest museum, providing a unique testimony to our history.

World Heritage Marine Programme

50 flagship marine protected areas of Outstanding Universal Value: Beacons of Hope In a Changing Ocean

Underwater Cultural Heritage

Publications

UNESCO ocean programmes
2022
UNESCO
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The contribution of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to the Achievement of the 2030 Agenda
UNESCO/IOC
2022
UNESCO
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Global Ocean Science Report 2020: Charting Capacity for Ocean Sustainability
UNESCO
2020
UNESCO
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Ocean science and international cooperation: historical and personal recollections
UNESCO
2021
UNESCO
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The United Nations World Water Development Report 2022: groundwater: making the invisible visible
UNESCO
2022
UNESCO
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