The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference

Accelerating Ocean Solutions to 2030 and Beyond

  • Location:Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Main Conference:7–9 April 2027
  • Ocean Decade Week:5–9 April 2027
Subscribe for Updates

About the Conference

Building on the momentum of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, the 2027 Conference will mark a new phase of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) under the leadership of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO. It will be a pivotal moment to assess progress, accelerate action and shape the legacy of the Decade as it moves toward 2030 and beyond.

Under the theme Accelerating Ocean Solutions to 2030 and Beyond, the Conference will bring together governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous peoples and local knowledge holders, Early Career Ocean Professionals, philanthropy, industry and international partners to strengthen the use of ocean science and knowledge in policy, decision-making and action.

As Conference host, Brazil seeks to bring together stakeholders from around the world to advance the objectives of the Ocean Decade, while showcasing its contributions in ocean science, ocean literacy, international cooperation and sustainable ocean development.

Starts in

Next Steps

Destination: Rio de Janeiro! Here are the next milestones to look out for on the way to the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference:

  • Early October

    launch of applications for Side Events and Special Event Individual Sessions

  • Mid-October

    launch of registration

  • Late October

    launch of applications for travel support and Lightning Talks

Explore the FAQ to find out more
  • Aerial view of a container ship at sea
  • Fisherman casting a net over blue waters
  • Guanabara Bay and the Sugarloaf, Rio de Janeiro
  • Diver taking measurements on a coral reef
  • Pacific islander in traditional dress
  • Scientist working in a laboratory
  • Researchers operating equipment on a boat
  • Paddleboarder under an iceberg arch
  • School of fish in sunlit water
  • Traditional woven fish trap
  • Fisherman mending green nets

Conference Objectives

  • Showcase and track progress toward the priorities contained in the 2024 Barcelona Statement.

  • Agree on urgent actions needed by 2030 to deliver ocean knowledge for policy-making.

  • Strengthen partnerships and commitments that can support the post-2030 legacy of the Ocean Decade.

  • Inform dialogue at the 2028 United Nations Ocean Conference and contribute to the post-2030 ocean agenda.

Sunset over Rio de Janeiro with Christ the Redeemer

Conference Programme

The Conference programme will include a high-level opening, plenary and parallel sessions, satellite events, lightning talks, announcements, commitments and the launch of a Conference Statement.

The programme will be structured around practical and actionable Ocean Decade Solutions, including themes such as coastal resilience, sustainable ocean economies, ocean-based food systems, biodiversity, pollution, climate and multiple stressors, ocean observations, data and services, ocean literacy, capacity development, finance and investment.

Researchers operating equipment on a boat

Ocean Decade Week

Ocean Decade Week will include partner-led special events across Rio de Janeiro on 5–6 April 2027, followed by the main Conference from 7–9 April 2027.

Special events, exhibitions, research vessel activities, civil society events and campaigns will help expand participation and connect the Conference to wider audiences across the city.

School of fish in deep blue water

Become a Partner or Sponsor

The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference offers opportunities for organizations, foundations, institutions and private sector partners to support one of the flagship global events of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Bringing together leaders from government, science, philanthropy, civil society and industry, the Conference will serve as a global platform to accelerate ocean action, strengthen international collaboration and advance the use of ocean knowledge in policy and decision-making.

A range of partnership and sponsorship opportunities are available, including support for travel assistance, exhibitions, networking events, public engagement activities and other key elements of the Conference and Ocean Decade Week.

Download Sponsorship Package
Colorful coral reef

Get Involved

Further opportunities to participate in the Conference — including registration, travel support, special events, exhibitions, and partnership opportunities — will be announced in the coming months.

Subscribe for Updates