Frequently Asked Questions
The Ocean Decade Week will take place from 5-9 April 2027 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It consists of two complementary components:
- 5-6 April: Partner-led Pre-Conference Special Events, as part of the official extended programme
- 7-9 April: The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference
The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference (7-9 April) is the official high-level conference co-organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO – lead agency of the Ocean Decade – the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) of Brazil, and the City Hall of Rio de Janeiro. It will be the centrepiece of a broader Ocean Decade Week taking place across the city from 5 to 9 April 2027.
Its programme will comprise a series of plenary and parallel sessions that will focus on discussing and validating the Ocean Decade Solutions and associated Blueprints developed through the conference preparatory process (please refer to question 6 for more information).
The Pre-Conference Special Events (5–6 April) are day-long partner-led events that contribute to the Conference preparatory process by bringing together communities around each of the eight thematic Ocean Decade Solutions and selected regional priorities. There will be one Pre-Conference Special Event dedicated to each Ocean Decade Solution and each selected regional priority. Additional Pre-Conference Special Events addressing other themes or regions may be established in consultation with the Conference Programme Committee. Their format will be diverse, and the discussions and outcomes of the Special Events, inspired by the Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints among other inputs, will inform the Conference dialogue and final outcomes. Each Pre-Conference Special Event will take place over a full day and will comprise individual sessions of diverse formats.
The main Conference venue will be the Pier Mauá - Warehouses, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Multiple venues have been selected to host the Pre-Conference Special Events near the main Conference venue in the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Final venues and allocations will be confirmed following the selection of the Special Event Lead Partners, taking into account the format, expected number of participants, and technical and logistical requirements of each event.
The Conference is planned as an in-person event only although certain sessions may be live streamed for remote viewing.
As the Ocean Decade enters a new phase focused on solution delivery, the themes of the Conference will reflect some of the most urgent and interconnected challenges facing the ocean today, and where gaps to inform policy and decision-making still exist. These priority areas are brought together through eight "Ocean Decade Solutions" designed to turn existing ocean knowledge into action for "the ocean we want".
Thematic Ocean Decade Solutions:
- Ocean Life
- Ocean Health
- Coastal Resilience
- Ocean Food Systems
- Ocean Economies
- Ocean Information and Services
- Ocean Investment
- Ocean Skills and Inspiration
Regional streams:
- Polar Regions: Arctic / Southern Ocean
- Tropical Americas and Caribbean
- Africa
- Indian Ocean
- Western Pacific
- Pacific Islands
- North Atlantic Ocean / Europe
- Mediterranean
Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints are being developed in a participatory way to document the practical roadmaps for action to achieve each Ocean Decade Solution. They will identify priority needs, implementation pathways, opportunities for partnerships, capacities, resources, investments and calls to action.
There will be 16 draft Blueprints - eight Ocean Decade Solution Blueprints and eight Regional Blueprints.
The draft Blueprints will be published in early 2027 and will serve as a foundation for discussion and collaboration at the Conference and beyond before being finalised as the formal Conference outcomes.
The Ocean Decade Conference preparatory process includes the development of the 16 thematic and regional Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints. It includes a series of workshops, consultations, Regional Dialogues and other engagement activities taking place during 2026 and early 2027 to develop the Blueprints, under the leadership of institutional Co-Leads.
The Blueprint Co-Leads have been identified by the Decade Coordination Unit and are Ocean Decade partners, such as a National Decade Committee, Decade Coordination Office, Decade Collaborative Centre, Decade Implementing Partner, Decade Action (Programme or Project), or another strategic partner. Co-leads are leading the development of an Ocean Decade Solution Blueprint or Regional Blueprint in close collaboration with the Decade Coordination Unit (DCU). Co-Leads coordinate the overall Blueprint development process, from planning and stakeholder engagement to drafting, and are responsible for delivering a draft Blueprint for the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference and subsequent refinement.
Throughout the second half of 2026, the Ocean Decade will convene a series of Ocean Decade Solutions Workshops and Regional Dialogues to refine the eight Solutions and their corresponding Blueprints. In parallel, Regional Dialogues will co-develop eight Regional Blueprints reflecting regional priorities, socio-economic and governance contexts, as well as specific implementation needs. The thematic and regional processes will continuously inform one another to strengthen coherence between global ambition and regional realities.
Organised with Decade partners, each session will focus on a specific Solution and bring together scientists, policymakers, practitioners, Indigenous peoples and local communities, civil society, the private sector, funders, technical experts and others. These discussions will ensure that the Solutions reflect global ambition and regional realities while considering diverse voices, priorities and needs.
The Ocean Decade Conference preparatory process includes the development of thematic and regional Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints through workshops, consultations and regional dialogues organised with Decade partners on the sidelines of other events and online sessions in the second half of 2026.
Organisations and individuals may contribute by participating in relevant Solutions Workshops or Regional Dialogues. Please contact l.meyer@unesco.org to be connected with the relevant Ocean Decade Solutions Co-Leads.
Further information on the preparatory process can be found here.
The Conference programme is being developed by the Conference co-organisers in consultation with the Programme Committee. It will be structured around the Ocean Decade Solutions framework, organised across thematic and regional streams. It will combine plenary and parallel sessions as well as space for high level interventions and announcements of new commitments to advance the goals of the Ocean Decade. Please refer to question 6 for more information.
The final programme will be confirmed in late 2026.
No.
The Conference programme is being developed through the official process led by the Ocean Decade Coordination Unit, the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) of Brazil, and the City of Rio de Janeiro and in close consultation with the Conference Programme Committee. The parallel sessions during the Conference will be built around the Ocean Decade Solutions and Blueprints and will not be populated through an open call.
There will be no general open call for speakers or panellists for the main Conference. Speakers will be identified by the Conference co-organisers in consultation with the Programme Committee.
Additional speaking opportunities may arise through:
- The Pre-Conference Special Events and their Individual Sessions (see question 22);
- Conference Side Events (see question 15);
- Lightning Talks; or
- other participation formats that may be announced later.
Yes.
A limited number of Side Events will take place during the lunch breaks at the Conference's main venue on 7, 8 and 9 April 2027. The Call for Side Events is currently expected to be launched between late September and October 2026, alongside the Call for Individual Sessions forming part of the Pre-Conference Special Events (5–6 April 2027). Further information on the application process and timeline will be published through the official Ocean Decade channels.
Additional opportunities for other Conference-related activities, Lightning Talks or similar formats are currently under development. More information will be provided in due course.
All speakers and participants as well as the organisers of Side Events must have a confirmed registration to the Conference, or they will not be able to enter the main Conference venue. No registrations can be made on-site at the venue on the days before or during the Conference. Side Events will be open to all registered Conference participants. Access to Side Events will be on a first come - first served basis.
Opportunities for booths during the main Conference are still being explored. Information will be provided on the Conference website in due course.
There will be no dedicated call for exhibitions during the main Conference.
Partners wishing to hold exhibitions, demonstrations, innovation showcases, cultural activities or other public-engagement formats can request their endorsement as Ocean Decade Satellite Events.
Such an activity could also potentially be proposed through the Call for Individual Sessions, forming part of the Pre-Conference Special Events (5-6 April) to be opened between late September and October 2026.
The Conference will not include poster sessions or thematic sessions for presentation of scientific findings by individuals and there will thus be no call for abstracts or posters.
Speakers and format for the plenary and parallel sessions of the Conference programme will be identified by the Conference organisers in consultation with the Programme Committee and in alignment with the official preparatory process around the Ocean Decade Solutions and associated Blueprints.
Opportunities to present findings exist through Lightning Talks or participation in the Pre-Conference Special Events. Any such opportunities, together with the relevant application and selection processes, will be announced separately.
Contributions should demonstrate a clear connection to the Ocean Decade Solutions and the Conference's focus on moving from knowledge to action.
Ocean Decade Week Satellite Events can be diverse types of events that are held by partners during Ocean Decade Week from 5 - 9 April 2027 and that are aligned with the objectives of the Conference.
While not forming part of the official Conference programme, Satellite Events will provide important opportunities for discussion, dialogue and networking.
Satellite Events can be held in Rio de Janeiro, or elsewhere, or could be online events.
Satellite Event organisers will be responsible for identifying and contracting venues for their event and managing any registration process as well as participation in the event.
Satellite Event organisers will be provided with guidance on communications tools that they can use to promote their event as contributing to Ocean Decade Week. Selected Satellite Events will be promoted on social media and the Ocean Decade communications channels by the Decade Coordination Unit.
A call to request endorsement of an initiative as an Ocean Decade Satellite Event will open in October 2026 and applications will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Lightning Talks will be short segments allocated to individuals to present their work around selected pre-defined themes. Lightning Talks will take place during the lunch breaks of the main Conference in the Conference venue. A Call for Applications for Lightning Talks will open in October 2026.
A Pre-Conference Special Event is a full-day programme coordinated by a Lead Partner and dedicated to one of the eight thematic Ocean Decade Solutions or a selected regional priority. Additional Pre-Conference Special Events focusing on other themes or regions may be established in consultation with the Conference Programme Committee. Each Special Event will take place during the Ocean Decade Week (5–6 April) in a designated venue outside the main Conference venue.
An Individual Session is one component within a Pre-Conference Special Event.
Examples of Individual Sessions include:
- scientific symposia;
- workshops;
- policy dialogues;
- networking sessions;
- exhibitions;
- innovation showcases;
- training activities;
- youth dialogues;
- Indigenous knowledge exchanges;
- cultural activities; and
- any other format that aligns with the objectives of the Special Event and contributes to the goals of the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference.
Each Pre-Conference Special Event will comprise several Individual Sessions.
Special Events will be aligned with the Ocean Decade Solutions framework, organised across thematic and regional cross-cutting streams. At this stage, the themes of the Special Events are as follows:
- Ocean Life
- Ocean Health
- Coastal Resilience
- Ocean Food Systems
- Ocean Economies
- Ocean Information and Services
- Ocean Investment
- Ocean Skills and Inspiration
The current set of Regional Special Events will focus on Africa, the Tropical Americas and Caribbean, and Pacific Small Island Developing States. A cross-cutting Special Event will also focus on Early Career Ocean Professionals.
As part of the Call for Special Events that is open until 31 August 2026, applicants may also propose additional themes where they clearly contribute to the Conference's objectives and address emerging priorities not covered above.
The full list of Pre-Conference Special Events will be posted on the Conference website and include details on how to register to access these events.
Participating (as an organiser, speaker or invitee) in a Pre-Conference Special Event does not grant you access to the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference taking place from 7 to 9 April, as these events will take place outside the Conference venue and will be subject to a separate registration process. To have access to the main Conference, you need to have registered specifically for the Conference and received confirmation that your registration for the Conference has been accepted.
No. To participate in a Pre-Conference Special Event (5-6 April), you do not need to be registered for the main Conference that will take place from 7 to 9 April.. However, registration will also be needed for the Pre-Conference Special Events. Details will be posted on the Conference website.
A. Lead Partners of Pre-Conference Special Events
Lead Partners will be responsible for the overall development and coordination of the Pre-Conference Special Events. They will be selected by the Decade Coordination Unit and the Conference Programme Committee through the current Call for Lead Partners. A Lead Partner is responsible for coordinating an entire Pre-Conference Special Event (a full-day event on 5 or 6 April).
Lead Partners:
- define the overall vision of the Special Event;
- coordinate the programme;
- work with the Decade Coordination Unit and Programme Committee;
- contribute to the design of the Call for Individual Sessions;
- review submitted Individual Session proposals;
- coordinate Individual Session organisers;
- oversee delivery of the event.
Special Event Lead Partners are encouraged to work with other institutions, including Brazilian institutions, in the development of their submissions.
B. Individual Sessions of Pre-Conference Special Events
Following the selection of Lead Partners, a separate Call for Individual Sessions will open in October 2026. Individual Sessions will be selected by the Decade Coordination Unit and the relevant Pre-Conference Special Event Lead Partners. Organisations selected through this call will organise one individual session within an existing Special Event. Session organisers will not coordinate the overall event; instead, they contribute a workshop, panel discussion, training session, exhibition, networking activity or another session format that becomes part of the programme designed by the Lead Partner.
Organisations interested in leading a Special Event on 5 or 6 April are invited to consult the Call for Pre-Conference Special Event Lead Partners and its dedicated FAQ.
Applications to lead Special Events should be submitted through this online portal by 31 August 2026 and will be assessed on a rolling basis. Selected Lead Partners are expected to be confirmed in September 2026.
Please do not submit a proposal for an Individual Session through the Call for Lead Partners, as it will not be accepted. A separate Call for Individual Sessions is expected to be launched in October 2026 following the selection of the Lead Partners.
Applications are welcome from:
- governments;
- United Nations entities;
- intergovernmental organisations;
- Ocean Decade Actions;
- research institutions;
- NGOs;
- foundations;
- regional organisations;
- private sector organisations;
- multi-stakeholder partnerships.
Joint applications are strongly encouraged.
The current Call for Lead Partners of Pre-Conference Special Events is intended for organisations, rather than individuals.
Individuals interested in contributing are encouraged to engage through an eligible organisation or partnership that can submit the proposal as Lead Partner.
Please refer to questions 9 and 26.
Co-Leads of Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints are organisations that have already been selected by the Decade Coordination Unit to have a lead role in the Conference preparatory process throughout 2026-2027 to co-develop the 16 Ocean Decade Blueprints.
Lead Partners of Pre-Conference Special Events are organisations that will be selected through the Call for Lead Partners and will be responsible for the overall design, development and coordination of a Pre-Conference Special Event (5-6 April).
Yes.
Organisations do not need to be Blueprint Co-Leads or existing members of the Conference preparatory process to apply as Lead Partners of Pre-Conference Special Events or organisers of Individual Sessions. Applications will be assessed against the published selection criteria.
A Lead Partner is responsible for coordinating one of the full-day Pre-Conference Special Events. These comprise thematic events, each dedicated to one of the Ocean Decade Solutions, and regional events focusing on Africa, the Tropical Americas and Caribbean, and Pacific Small Island Developing States (see questions 12 and 23).
An Individual Session organiser is responsible for one activity within a Special Event programme, such as a workshop, scientific talk, panel, dialogue, training session, exhibition, live demonstration, innovation showcase or networking activity.
Further details are provided in the dedicated Call for Lead Partners and its dedicated FAQ. Please do not submit a proposal for an Individual Session through the Call for Lead Partners, as it will not be considered. A separate Call for Individual Sessions is expected to be launched in October 2026 following the selection of the Lead Partners.
Yes. Lead Partners are expected to define the programme and lead one or more Individual Sessions within their own Special Event while also ensuring space for additional sessions proposed by other institutions.
Yes. An organisation may do one or more of the following:
- apply to become a Lead Partner for a Pre-Conference Special Event;
- organise an Individual Session during a Pre-Conference Special Event;
- co-lead the development of an Ocean Decade Solution Blueprints (if invited by the Decade Coordination Unit);
- participate in the Conference preparatory process to develop the Ocean Decade Solutions Blueprints;
- participate in the Conference itself.
These opportunities are complementary and are not mutually exclusive.
The current indicative timeline is:
- July-August 2026: Call for Pre-Conference Special Event Lead Partners
- September 2026: Selection of Pre-Conference Special Event Lead Partners
- October 2026: Call for Pre-Conference Individual Sessions
- November 2026: Selection of Individual Sessions
Further details and application guidance will be published following the selection of Lead Partners.
The duration of each Individual Session will be determined by the relevant Special Event Lead Partner, in close consultation with the Individual Session Organiser.
Session length will depend on the overall programme of the Special Event, the proposed format, venue capacity and scheduling considerations. Further guidance will be provided in the Call for Individual Sessions.
No.
Dedicated travel support for Lead Partners, session organisers or invited contributors is not available. There will be an open call for Conference-related travel support later in 2026 that could be relevant for participants in the Special Events.
Applicants should consult the dedicated Call for Pre-Conference Special Event Lead Partners FAQ for information on financial responsibilities, operational costs and event resourcing.
Yes.
Special Events will take place in designated Conference venues across Rio de Janeiro. Following the selection process, each Lead Partner will be allocated one venue for their assigned day. Lead Partners therefore do not need to independently identify or book venues in Rio de Janeiro.
Special Event venues will be assigned following the selection of Lead Partners. Venue allocation will take into account the nature and anticipated requirements of each Special Event to ensure the best possible match with the available Special Event venues.
Applicants are encouraged to share any information already available regarding the proposed format or anticipated requirements of their Special Event. However, it is understood that many aspects of the event may still be under development at this stage and detailed operational information is not expected as part of the application.
Following the selection of Lead Partners, the Conference organisers will work closely with each Lead Partner during a dedicated planning phase to confirm venue allocation and further develop the event concept and logistical arrangements.
Lead Partners are responsible for the overall coordination and management of the operational costs associated with their Special Event unless otherwise agreed. Depending on the venue, these costs may include:
- venue rental (where applicable);
- event organiser for venue coordination(*);
- security;
- cleaning;
- technical/audiovisual support;
- interpreting services (many venues have interpretation booths available);
- audiovisual services;
- furniture;
- catering;
- lighting;
- additional services.
Lead Partners will be responsible for managing the event budget and determining whether and how these costs are shared with the organisations leading the Individual Sessions that form part of their Special Event.
*(\*) Some venues provide internal event support while others may require Lead Partners to engage a local event organiser to coordinate logistics and liaise with the venue.*
Operational costs will vary significantly depending on the:
- assigned venue;
- event format;
- number of participants;
- technical and audiovisual needs;
- production requirements.
- optional services: interpretation, staffing, catering, etc.
For this reason, it is not currently possible to provide a standard cost estimate. More detailed information will be shared with selected Lead Partners once venue allocations have been confirmed.
No. To ensure a coordinated participant experience as well as support security and crowd management across the Ocean Decade Week, the Conference organisers will provide a centralised online registration platform through which all participants wishing to attend Special Events will be required to register.
Lead Partners will be responsible for promoting their Special Event and encouraging participants to register using the official registration link provided by the Conference organisers. The Conference organising team will also manage the accreditation process for registered participants.
Approved Special Events will form part of the official Ocean Decade Week programme and be featured through the Conference's communications channels, including the Conference website, programme and promotional materials where appropriate. Lead Partners will also be provided with branded communications templates and a branding package to support the promotion of their Special Event.
However, the primary responsibility for promoting each Special Event rests with the Lead Partner, who is expected to develop and implement a communications strategy, mobilise relevant stakeholders and provide timely content for inclusion in the official Conference communications platforms.