{"id":22517,"date":"2026-09-25T11:52:37","date_gmt":"2026-09-25T10:52:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/?p=22517"},"modified":"2026-09-30T11:52:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-30T10:52:54","slug":"governments-at-un-general-assembly-support-global-ocean-observation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/maritimafrica.com\/en\/governments-at-un-general-assembly-support-global-ocean-observation\/","title":{"rendered":"Governments at UN General Assembly support global ocean observation"},"content":{"rendered":"

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A new International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) has been launched during the 81st United Nations General Assembly, mobilizing commitments from governments to strengthen support for ocean observations, which are vital for all nations \u2013 coastal and landlocked alike.<\/p>\n

President of the European Commission Ursula\u202fvon\u202fder\u202fLeyen and Prime Minister of Canada Mark\u202fCarney officially launched the OceanEye International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)<\/a> at a high\u2011level pledging event at UN Headquarters in New York, organized in partnership with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO<\/a> \u00a0and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), both co-sponsoring organizations of GOOS.<\/p>\n

Held during the 81st UN General Assembly High\u2011Level Week, the event brought together heads of state and governments and ministers to strengthen support for global ocean observations, which are essential for safe navigation, weather forecasting, climate predictions, coastal resilience, protection of the high seas and thriving economies.<\/p>\n

In a demonstration of support and collaboration from the Co-Chairs of the International Alliance, the European Union pledged an additional \u20ac92 million for ocean observation activities<\/a>, and Prime Minister Carney pledged CAD $82 million over five years<\/a> to expand Canada’s ability to observe our ocean.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs the underwater world rapidly changes, ocean observation gives us eyes and ears beneath the waves. With OceanEye, we can gather the data we need to understand and protect our ocean. And with the International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System, we will support a vital network across the world. For a better life with and on our blue planet,\u201d said Ursula von der Leyen<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe ocean we share cannot be understood, or protected, by any nation alone. What none of us can do individually, we can achieve together. Every observation shared multiplies impact. That is what this Alliance builds: a picture none of us could see by ourselves, and none of us can afford to lose,\u201d said Mark Carney.<\/p>\n

The event has so far secured over CAD $339 million (\u20ac211\u202fmillion) from all partner countries with a mix of financial contributions, in\u2011kind support, and the provision of assets such as research vessels, sensors, drones and data\u2011processing facilities.<\/p>\n

Growing needs and challenges<\/h2>\n

The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), led by IOC\u2011UNESCO and co-sponsored by WMO, UNEP and the International Science Council, leads and coordinates the delivery of around 120,000 observations per day from 8,000 platforms operated by 64 countries and 17 global observation networks. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to help the world understand and make decisions on ocean state, health and changes.<\/p>\n

Ocean observations data underpin all weather forecasts and early warnings as well as longer-term climate monitoring as well as surface-proofing satellite measurements. This data \u00a0is essential for economic security, maritime transport and global trade, ocean industries, the protection of coastal communities and marine biodiversity.<\/p>\n

However, this critical global infrastructure and its coordination are at risk, including from a lack of long-term sustainable investment.<\/p>\n

In response to this risk, the European Union announced the International Alliance for the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) in March 2026, as part of OceanEye \u2013 an ambitious initiative designed to strengthen ocean observation, improve access to ocean intelligence and reinforce international cooperation. A core aim of the Alliance is to secure long-term funding for GOOS and to guarantee reliable, open and free access to ocean data for all partners.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scientific reality is clear: Ocean observations shape our understanding of the climate system. They give us time to prepare. They give us measurements, far out at sea, which help countries anticipate conditions that affect food production, water supplies and people\u2019s safety,\u201d said Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrengthening the Global Ocean Observing System is not just a scientific challenge, it is a governance challenge. We need an optimised system that countries can sustain over time, and this will only be possible with stronger investments and closer cooperation with governments.\u201d said Vidar Helgesen, IOC Executive Secretary.<\/p>\n

The launch event highlighted just how precarious the ocean observing system is.<\/p>\n

For example, today, there are no near-equatorial moored buoys operating west of 165 degrees East in the tropical Pacific. This means there is no fixed observing presence across a critical part of the western Pacific warm pool. This is the region that helps shape El Ni\u00f1o and La Ni\u00f1a and, consequently, rainfall and drought patterns around the world.<\/p>\n

And it is not just El Ni\u00f1o, operational forecasts and warnings \u2013 of tropical cyclones, severe precipitation, extreme heat \u2013 depend on real-time observations of ocean variables.<\/p>\n

There are also complete regions of the ocean that require much stronger observation including the Southern Ocean, poles and deep ocean.<\/p>\n

Next Steps<\/h2>\n

The launch event marked the start of a broader international mobilization effort for 2026-2028 and beyond.<\/p>\n

A total of 31 members have joined the International Alliance for GOOS, including Canada, the EU and 29 countries (Angola, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cabo Verde, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Madagascar, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Norway, Namibia, Palau, Portugal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, the Netherlands, the Faroe Islands and the United Kingdom).<\/p>\n

The pledges will support:<\/p>\n