Paris / Rio de Janeiro, 7 October 2025 – Brazil yesterday took center stage in the global ocean community with the official launch of the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro. Taking place in April 2027, the Conference is a flagship event of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) and will unite governments, scientists, civil society, Indigenous leaders, youth, the private sector, and philanthropy to accelerate ocean action.
From 7-9 April 2027, the Conference will bring together up to 2,000 participants for three days of dialogue, partnership, and action. Preceding the main sessions, a programme of partner-led satellite events, exhibitions, and networking opportunities on 5-6 April will create a dynamic forum for diverse engagement across all sectors taking place throughout the city of Rio.
Co-organized by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), and the City of Rio de Janeiro, the 2027 edition will build on the outcomes of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona, Spain, and carry forward the ambition of the Ocean Decade. The hosting of the Conference is further testament to Brazil’s leadership in the Ocean Decade since the establishment of its National Decade Committee – the first in the world – in 2021.
Outlining the ambitions of the event, Julian Barbière, Head of Section for Marine Policy and Regional Coordination at IOC and Global Coordinator of the Ocean Decade, said: “The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio will be a defining moment. It will bring together the world’s leading ocean minds and decision-makers to evaluate our progress, renew our commitments, and accelerate action toward 2030 and beyond. Today, we gather in that same spirit – let this moment ignite a new wave of global commitment and creativity.”
The objectives of the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference are to:
- Showcase and track achievements towards the priorities of the Barcelona Statement;
- Refine Ocean Decade priorities for the remainder of the Decade through an inclusive preparatory process in 2026;
- Facilitate partnerships and discussions to shape the Ocean Decade’s post-2030 legacy;
- Inform dialogue at the 2028 United Nations Ocean Conference and contribute to the global conversation on the post-2030 Agenda for ocean sustainability.
Highlighting Brazil’s leadership, Luciana Santos, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI), noted: “Brazil has been firmly committed to the actions of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, starting with Ocean Literacy. The conference reinforces this commitment. It will be an opportunity to evaluate progress, plan future actions, and strengthen the global commitment to the sustainable use of the ocean.”
For the host city, the Conference is both a global responsibility and a local opportunity. Eduardo Cavaliere, Deputy Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, said: “The 2027 Ocean Decade Conference is not simply going to be an event, it will be a platform for commitments. We want to make things concrete – we want to integrate science to our day-to-day, to put together economic development with the protection of marine life and show the role of science in defending the ocean. The Ocean Decade is about action and Rio, with its story of dialogue between science and nature, can be an example of how a city can look at the ocean, not only as a landscape but as a destiny. We want this to be the beginning of a new journey guided by science, boosted by cooperation, and inspired by the future. Rio de Janeiro is ready to host the world once again and to show that a healthy ocean is the biggest legacy that we can leave for future generations.”
The launch event also included a special session on women’s leadership and climate action ahead of COP30 in Belém. Reflecting on this theme, Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil and Special Envoy for Women at COP30, stressed: “I met with communities of fisher women in Alagoas and Pernambuco and I was very impacted by their lives, the difficulties they face, and their resilience. They wake up at 3am, they fish in the mangrove for five to six hours – their bodies in waters which are often polluted, leading to different health issues. As the Special Envoy for Women at COP30, I really need to speak about this and about us women and fisher women, scientists, even those who are not in discussion panels or at the negotiating table, who do not participate in the way we should be in decision that will be impacting our lives. We are the ones fighting against climate change and we want to talk about the solutions that we women bring to the table. We need to be a part of these spaces.”
The event concluded with a session on “Ocean Solutions in Action: Delivering on the Ocean Decade Challenges,” featuring representatives from diverse Brazilian initiatives. Speakers highlighted how their projects are contributing to Decade priorities emerging from the 2024 Conference and discussed ways to collaborate and scale impact in the lead-up to Rio 2027.
Looking ahead, the Ocean Decade will continue mobilizing the global ocean community to strengthen partnerships, scale innovative solutions, and chart a course for the Decade’s lasting legacy – ensuring a healthier, more sustainable ocean for the years beyond 2030.
- Watch the recording of the event in English here or in Portuguese here.
- Find photos from the official launch ceremony here.
- Download the Conference media kit here.
More details about the Conference, its programme, and registration process will be shared in due course. Sign up to receive updates!
General contact:
event@oceandecade-conference.com
Communications contacts:
Ocean Decade, IOC
Aya Khalil
a.khalil@unesco.org
2027 Ocean Decade Conference Organizing Committee, Brazil
Christian Marra
chmarra@gmail.com
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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 151 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 Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation of Brazil (MCTI):
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MCTI) coordinates Brazil’s national policies in science, technology, and innovation. It oversees agencies such as the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and FINEP, and is responsible for developing strategies to advance technological innovation and scientific research in support of sustainable development. MCTI also plays a key role in Brazil’s relationship with international organizations in the themes of science, technology and innovation, helping to strengthen cooperation in areas such as climate change, biotechnology, and renewable energy.
About the City of Rio de Janeiro:
Strategically located in the South Atlantic, Rio de Janeiro is the largest coastal city in Brazil. Known for its welcoming spirit and coastal soul, the city stands out as a hub for high-level international gatherings, especially those dedicated to environmental and ocean-related issues. Host to milestone meetings such as Rio 92, Rio+20, and the G20 Summit, Rio has solidified its global position in the environmental agenda, offering strong infrastructure and a unique setting for outstanding events.
