Recognizing the critical importance of the ocean science for all Island nations and territories, The Nippon Foundation and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO are joining forces to advance planning and management for sustainable ocean economies and preparedness for ocean hazards.
Island nations and territories are far from homogenous. Yet, no matter where they are in the world, they share a deep connection to the ocean and a collective aspiration for its sustainable use. They are also together in facing mounting risks coming from a fast-changing ocean. From Small Island Developing States to developed Island nations, these unique socio-economic contexts call for knowledge-driven frameworks to strengthen resilience and protect marine ecosystems.
“For generations, the people of island nations and territories have lived side by side with the ocean, drawing both sustenance and strength from its waters. For islands to achieve sustainable prosperity and genuine self-reliance, it is crucial that islands themselves build the capacity, knowledge, and tools they need,” highlighted Mitsuyuki Unno, Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation. “To support this journey, The Nippon Foundation has decided to convene a new international conference, here in Tokyo, where representatives from all island nations and territories gather to discuss the sustainable future of all islands and our shared ocean.”
In the framework of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’), Heads of State and high-level representatives of Island States will gather with technical and financial partners in Tokyo, Japan, from 3 to 4 June 2026 for an Island States Ocean Summit. Hosted by The Nippon Foundation and co-organized with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, the lead agency of the Ocean Decade, the Summit represents an important step to accelerate action on climate-resilient sustainable ocean planning and management.
The gathering will lead to new cooperation between leaders of Island States and partners to support the generation and uptake of science and knowledge, reinforce capacity, and catalyse innovation for sustainable ocean planning. It will highlight regional perspectives and provide a platform for exchange and partnership-building across disciplines that lays the groundwork for continued engagement and collaboration beyond the event itself.
“Sustainable ocean planning and management offers an inclusive framework to build durable partnerships that transcend traditional silos,” said Vidar Helgesen, IOC Executive Secretary. “It can create lasting pathways for all Island nations and territories– no matter their size or resources – to apply science, implement solutions, and respond effectively to their unique challenges. We are proud to work alongside The Nippon Foundation on this journey.”
The Summit will culminate in an Action Statement capturing concrete commitments, pledges, and next steps for joint initiatives in sustainable ocean planning and management. Building on the momentum of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France – where over 170 nations recognized the importance of sustainable ocean plans and several coastal States pledged to manage 100% of their waters sustainably by 2030 – the Summit represents the next step in translating those global commitments into action.
Furthermore, the Statement will serve as a springboard for continued collaboration, guiding priority areas for Island States in the years ahead and creating a bridge to major events in ocean governance, including the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference and Conferences of Parties of the UNFCCC, Convention on Biological Diversity as well as the BBNJ Agreement for the sustainable management of biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The Summit builds on the role of the IOC in leading sustainable ocean planning and management with the United Nations system and reinforces the vision of the Ocean Decade to put ocean science at the heart of effective ocean planning and management balancing marine protection, production, and prosperity. It also demonstrates the ongoing strong commitment of The Nippon Foundation to supporting informed policymaking and sustainable use of the ocean through the framework of the Ocean Decade as demonstrated by its leadership in the “Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project” and “Ocean Census” Ocean Decade programmes, which spearhead scientific research for policy and decision making.
For more information, please contact:
oceandecade.comms@unesco.org
Please note that participation in the Summit is by invitation only, with information on planning and outcomes available here.
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About the Ocean Decade:
Proclaimed in 2017 by the United Nations General Assembly, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (‘the Ocean Decade’) seeks to stimulate ocean science and knowledge generation to reverse the decline of the state of the ocean system and catalyse new opportunities for sustainable development of this massive marine ecosystem. The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’. The Ocean Decade provides a convening framework for scientists and stakeholders from diverse sectors to develop the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to accelerate and harness advances in ocean science to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda. The UN General Assembly mandated the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO to coordinate the preparations and implementation of the Decade.
About the IOC:
The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO promotes international cooperation in marine sciences to improve management of the ocean, coasts and marine resources. The IOC enables its 152 Member States to work together by coordinating programmes in capacity development, ocean observations and services, ocean science and tsunami warning. The work of the IOC contributes to the mission of UNESCO to promote the advancement of science and its applications to develop knowledge and capacity, key to economic and social progress, the basis of peace and sustainable development.
About The Nippon Foundation:
Established in 1962, The Nippon Foundation is Japan’s largest philanthropic organization. In the field of ocean affairs, the Foundation works to nurture ocean professionals who will lead the sustainable management and use of marine resources, while also advancing initiatives to ensure that the ocean’s benefits and biodiversity are preserved for future generations. Beyond ocean affairs, the Foundation engages in a wide range of activities, including support for children and persons with disabilities, disaster relief, and international cooperation.