Governments, institutions, and ocean stakeholders are invited to shape the programme for the Western Pacific’s flagship marine science event.
- Event: 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference
- Dates: 20–23 April 2027
- Location: Manila, the Philippines
- Arrangement: In-person
Governments, research institutions, and ocean stakeholders are invited to submit proposals for Scientific Sessions, Decade Action Incubators, and Decade Action Workshops at the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference, to be held in Manila, the Philippines, on 20–23 April 2027.
The conference is hosted by the Government of the Philippines and UNESCO’s IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC).
Background
The Western Pacific is one of Earth’s most ecologically and economically vital ocean regions — a global climate engine and home to the world’s greatest marine biodiversity. For the hundreds of millions who depend on it for food, livelihoods, and safety, its health is not optional.
Since 1986, WESTPAC has convened a triennial International Marine Science Conference to advance ocean science and generate knowledge for policy and management. This edition runs alongside the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference — one of the last major regional checkpoints before the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development closes in 2030.
What the conference will do
- Present the latest developments in ocean science, knowledge, and innovation
- Showcase and track UN Ocean Decade Action achievements across the region
- Catalyze partnerships and concrete science-based solutions to sustainability challenges in the Western Pacific
Submit a proposal
Three types of sessions are open for proposals:
- Scientific Sessions — oral and poster presentations on the latest ocean science findings. Proposal deadline: 31 May 2026 | Submit here
- Decade Action Incubators — for potential Decade programmes seeking to catalyze partnerships and initiate project development. Proposal deadline: 15 August 2026 | Submit here
- Decade Action Workshops — for registered and endorsed UN Ocean Decade Actions to review progress and plan next steps. Proposal deadline: 15 August 2026 | Submit here
Key dates and milestone
31 May 2026: Scientific Session proposals due
15 June 2026: Registration, abstract submissions, and ECOP applications open
15 August 2026: Decade Action Incubator & Workshop proposals due
15 November 2026: Abstract submissions and ECOP applications close
15 December 2026: Abstract acceptance and ECOP Travel Grant results announced
Contact:
IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC): iocwestpac@unesco.org
Host country secretariat: unacom(at)dfa.gov.ph, iocwestpac2027@gmail.com
This article was originally published on the WESTPAC website.