The 5th United Nations Ocean Forum on trade-related aspects of Sustainable Development Goal 14, held from 3 to 5 March 2025 in Geneva, once again served as a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration on critical ocean sustainability issues. With over 500 participants from 80 countries - including ministers, ambassadors, delegates, UN entities, international organisations, businesses, startups, youth, and civil society actors - the forum was an invaluable opportunity for exchanging knowledge, building consensus, and advancing actionable commitments on the implementation of trade-related aspects of SDG 14. The forum placed a particular emphasis on decarbonising ocean economies, with discussions focused on climate action plans, sustainable maritime trade, and innovative financing models. As a long-standing champion of ocean sustainability, the IOI was proud to partner again in this forum - having been a founding partner of the Ocean Forum series since 2017 - leveraging its expertise in capacity development and ocean governance.
Amidst the dynamic discussions and collaborative environment, the IOI delegation, including Honorary President A Behnam, Managing Director A Vassallo, Project Officer C Chivu, and IOI Malta Training Centre Director A Deidun, made significant contributions through participation in four sessions and side-events, each addressing crucial aspects of ocean governance, sustainability, trade, and capacity building.
Session 1: United Nations and Partner Agencies: Current Trade-Related Trends in Ocean Economy
During the session, Awni Behnam shared invaluable insights into the critical intersection of trade, ocean sustainability, and international governance frameworks. Drawing on his extensive experience, he emphasised the need for strengthened global cooperation to enhance ocean trade while ensuring the long-term protection of marine ecosystems. His contribution reinforced the IOI's ongoing efforts to foster practical collaboration between policy, trade, and sustainable ocean governance, emphasising the importance of capacity-building and knowledge exchange.
Side event 3: Marine genetic resources of areas beyond national jurisdiction, including the fair and equitable sharing of benefits
Antonella Vassallo contributed as a panellist to the side event focused on "Marine Genetic Resources of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, Including the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits". She addressed the pivotal question of capacity building in developing states to manage marine genetic resources effectively. She emphasised the critical importance of ocean governance knowledge, ocean literacy, and technical expertise equally, pointing out that the IOI’s capacity-building trainings, such as the Global Ocean Governance Training Programmes, are critical in equipping professionals with the skills needed to engage in high-seas governance. She also highlighted the role of the BBNJ Agreement’s Clearing-House Mechanism in connecting developing states with necessary resources and expertise. IOI’s input reinforced the importance of continuous training, long-term engagement, and empowerment in achieving sustainable ocean governance across all sectors.
Session 4: Trade Policies and Tools for Innovative Marine-Based and Low-Carbon Products by SMEs (Including Foods, Nutraceuticals, Cosmetics, and Non-Plastic Substitutes)
Alan Deidun, Malta's Ocean Ambassador and Director of the IOI Training Centre in Malta, participated in this session, providing insights focused on the importance of aligning trade policies with sustainable ocean governance to foster innovation while ensuring the protection of marine resources. Alan’s contribution emphasised the need for policies that promote sustainability and equitable access to ocean-based opportunities, especially for SMEs working in low-carbon and environmentally friendly sectors.
Side event 5: Ocean Capacity Development
As part of the side event on Ocean Capacity Development, Cosmin Chivu addressed several pressing questions related to capacity-building and ocean literacy. His presentation focused on the need to integrate ocean literacy into policy negotiations and decision-making processes at all levels, including professional. He underscored the role of the IOI’s training programmes in preparing professionals to navigate the complexities of ocean governance, from tackling climate change to managing emerging ocean industries. He also addressed the evolving challenges in ocean governance and emphasised how continuous professional development is key to equipping decision-makers with the tools they need to adapt and act effectively in the face of global challenges.
Post-Forum CPD Webinar: Aligning Trade Policies with Sustainable Ocean Use
Following the 5th Ocean Forum, the IOI hosted a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) webinar titled "Aligning Trade Policies with Sustainable Ocean Use: Insights from the 5th UN Ocean Forum" on 27 March 2025. The webinar focused on the intersection of trade and ocean sustainability, examining how policies can better align with the principles of sustainable ocean governance and climate resilience. As part of the IOI’s commitment to fostering continued learning and engagement, the event offered IOI Alumni and ocean professionals valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities discussed at the forum. Watch the recording here.
Link to the audio recordings of the 5th United Nations Ocean Forum available here