The International Ocean Institute shall be present and contributing to the 3rd UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), taking place in Nice, France, from 9–13 June.
The IOI delegation, made up of Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, and Cosmin Chivu, Project Officer, anticipate an active and impactful substantive contribution to the goals of the UNOC3, through participation in several high-level events focused on ocean governance, capacity development, and ocean literacy. Through these engagements, the IOI continues to highlight its role in supporting ocean literacy, ocean governance, and capacity development for Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs), and to connect with the international cohort of IOI Alumni and other IOI partners.
IOI’s Engagements at UNOC3:
🔹 9 June | Side Event (Blue Zone)
Approaching an Intelligent and Inspiring Ocean: New Science-Based Actions for Sustainable Futures
Antonella Vassallo will speak at this side event hosted by partners including the National Marine Data and Information Service (China), Mercator Ocean International, and the Global Ocean Observing System. 🔗 Event link
🔹 10 June | Side Event (Green Zone)
Trade, Innovation, and Capacity Building: Engaging Early Career Ocean Professionals in a Sustainable Blue Economy
Antonella Vassallo is a panellist in the first part of the event, while Cosmin Chivu will moderate the second panel in this IOI-led event. Additional contributors include UNCTAD, UN DOALOS, and the UN ECOPs programme. 🔗 Event link
🔹 11 June / Side Event (Aboard RV Meteor)
From Strategy to Action: Mobilizing Partnerships for Ocean Capacity Development
Antonella Vassallo will speak about the importance of equity in capacity development, the need to be inclusive, including by removing financial barriers to knowledge and capacity development access showcasing the IOI Capacity Development and Alumni programmes.
🔹 11 June | Fishbowl Discussion (Aboard RV Meteor)
Bridging Ocean Realities: Perspectives from Early Career and Established Ocean Professionals
Cosmin Chivu will participate as a panellist in this dynamic Fishbowl discussion, sharing insights from IOI’s training work and the perspective of early career ocean professionals. 🔗 Event link
🔹 12 June | Side Event (Green Zone)
Right Right Right! Widening Ocean Literacy to Support the Ocean Sustainability Transition
Antonella Vassallo will speak on the critical role of inclusive, regionally relevant ocean literacy strategies for advancing sustainable ocean governance.
🔹 12 June | Marketplace Event (Aboard RV Statsraad Lehmkuhl)
Advancing Skills, Knowledge, Technology and Participation for All
Antonella Vassallo and Cosmin Chivu will take part in this interactive “marketplace” event, showcasing tools and approaches for capacity development under the UN Ocean Decade.
🔹 13 June | Hackathon Prize Ceremony (Green Zone)
IOI is co-organising this Hackathon Award Ceremony highlighting youth-led innovation for ocean solutions.
