Barcelona will host the world conference on the UN Decade of the Oceans

The Barcelona International Convention Center (CCIB) will host the UN Ocean Decade Conference from April 10 to 12, 2024. This global meeting will feature the participation of governments, experts, scientists, and civil society. The event aims to seek solutions for greater ocean protection by establishing joint priorities for its future.

The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) began three years ago. The UN created it to combat the deterioration of ocean health and ensure the support of ocean sciences to all countries in creating better conditions for sustainable ocean development. "The conference will be a great opportunity for actors from around the world to collectively reflect on the use of science and knowledge for sustainable ocean management, and at the same time pave the way for the future of the Decade," states Vladimir Ryabinin, executive secretary of UNESCO.

The event expects nearly 1,000 attendees from around the world during the three days of celebration. The main objective is to take stock of the results of the first three years of the Ocean Decade to build a roadmap until 2030. In this way, scientific solutions will be sought to respond to climate change, food security, biodiversity conservation, the sustainable ocean economy, pollution, and natural hazards.

The conference, which has already opened pre-registrations, presents a program based on the ten challenges of the Ocean Decade. It will begin with an inaugural session featuring the participation of heads of state, UN agency officials, and industry representatives. This congress will combine online sessions with other plenary sessions.

"It is an honor to host this event of great international relevance and vital importance for the planet," declares Marc Rodríguez, the general director of the Barcelona International Convention Center. "The CCIB, with first-class facilities, and the city, a hub of knowledge, innovation, and talent, are the ideal space to bring together experts from around the world who will reflect and debate to find solutions to the current and future challenges of our oceans," adds Rodríguez.

The event will be managed by the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Barcelona City Council through the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation and the Spanish Committee of the National Ocean Decade, directed by the Ministry of Science and Innovation through the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC).

In parallel, various activities will take place in the city to reflect on the importance of the sustainability of this ecosystem. The Ocean Decade Week will include activities such as workshops, symposiums, dinners, and art exhibitions starting on April 8 in different locations in Barcelona to complement the initial program.