The IOI proudly took part in the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France. With over 170 countries uniting behind a strong political declaration to protect our Ocean, IOI contributed through a series of impactful interventions focused on capacity development, ocean literacy, governance, and empowering Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs).
"Capacity building and the transfer of marine technology: New developments, approaches and challenges"
United Nations, New York, 16 to 20 June 2025
The second IOI Alumni CPD webinar in the 2025 Series, offered participants a unique opportunity to engage with some of the outcomes of the June 2025 Ocean Conference held in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
IOI and the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), of PR China, extend the MOU with the State Oceanic Administration on the Promotion and Deepening of Marine Cooperation, and the hosting of the IOI China Training Centre in Tianjin.
IOI Canada's recent online course concluded successfully in May, reaching an international audience from 44 countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and the South Pacific.
IOI Managing Director Antonella Vassallo spoke at the EUROFISH Market Seminar, highlighting the need for policy coherence in fisheries and aquaculture. Her intervention stressed the value of integrating science, governance, and trade to support sustainable seafood systems.
IOI Managing Director Antonella Vassallo took part in the UM Maritime Platform Conference at the University of Malta’s Valletta Campus. Speaking in the Environment Theme Panel, she highlighted the importance of governance knowledge and capacity building in shaping effective, evidence-based ocean policy.
Registrations are now open for IOI Ocean Academy free online Ocean Literacy modules to be delivered in Spanish and French. More modules in different languages are opening soon including in the Ewe language for communities in Togo, a new addition to the IOI Ocean Academy global network. More than 400 participants successfully completed IOI Ocean Academy modules in May and June.
At the 5th United Nations Ocean Forum in Geneva, the IOI delegation contributed to crucial discussions on maritime trade and ocean sustainability. Through active participation in side events focused on capacity-building, trade policies, and innovative ocean solutions, the IOI continues to advance its mission of fostering global collaboration and sustainable ocean governance.
From April 14 to 25, the first session of the Preparatory Commission for the Entry into Force of the BBNJ Agreement was held at the UN HQ. IOI’s Liliana Rodriguez Cortes attended the session, where critical discussions were held on governance, inclusivity, and the mechanisms needed to implement the BBNJ Agreement. Read on for a summary of key outcomes and the next steps in this vital process.