IOC-UNESCO at the 11th Our Ocean Conference: a wrap-up

As the 11th Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) draws to a close in Mombasa, Kenya, IOC-UNESCO celebrates a successful engagement throughout the three conference days and in the lead-up to the event.

Pre-Conference Activities 

In the lead-up to the conference, IOCAFRICA held its 9th Session, preceded by a regional workshop. These two events brought together representatives from IOC Africa Member States and partner organizations to identify the continent’s emerging priorities, which will guide the sub-commission’s activities for the 2028–2029 biennium. 

During the pre-conference period, IOC officers also took part in key scientific sessions held as part of the OOC11 scientific conference. 

Our Ocean Conference 

OOC11, the first edition ever held on African soil, brought together delegates from organizations and countries around the world. Held under the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the conference saw global leaders announce $6.4 billion in new commitments for ocean action. 

Throughout the conference, IOC marked several milestone moments. On 17 June, in collaboration with the European Union, IOC launched Ocean Eye at a high-level side event, an initiative designed to catalyse global ocean observation and build on existing platforms such as the IOC Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). 

On 18 June, IOCAFRICA convened African leaders for the side event “From Science to Sovereignty,” which culminated in a commitment from African countries to support and conduct ocean science and observation, recognizing the critical role ocean science plays in food security, resilience, and development across the continent. 

Beyond these official side events, IOC’s presence at OOC11 was instrumental in advancing partnerships, strengthening collaboration, and forging new relationships with Member States and partners. 

Source : IOC-UNESCO