IOI invited to the Global South International Forum in Guangzhou China, 5-6 June
In June 2026, IOI Managing Director Antonella Vassallo participated in the Global South International Forum in Guangzhou, where she delivered a keynote intervention on the role of ocean governance, capacity development, and ocean literacy in advancing a sustainable blue economy.

Working Visit to IOI China at the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS), 8 June, Tianjin
The longstanding cooperation between IOI and NMDIS was reaffirmed during a work visit to Tianjin. Through continued collaboration and training, the partnership continues to advance ocean governance capacity in the Western Pacific region and foster a vibrant community of ocean leaders.

IOI Germany Host Institute, ZMT celebrates 35 years of Research, Partnership and Impact, 3 June, Bremen
The celebration highlighted ZMT's longstanding contribution to tropical marine research while also providing an opportunity to reflect on the more than two decades of collaboration between ZMT and the International Ocean Institute in advancing ocean governance, capacity development, and international knowledge exchange.

IOI participates in European Maritime Day, 21-22 May, Limassol, Cyprus
IOI representatives engaged during this event with several organisations that are working across the field of ocean policy, literacy and capacity development providing valuable insights in current European efforts towards sustainable ocean governance.

In Memoriam: Prof Qin Li (1965-2026)
The IOI pays tribute to Prof Qin Li, Director of the IOI China Regional Centre for the Western Pacific, whose unwavering dedication over more than three decades helped advance ocean governance, international cooperation and capacity development throughout the region. Discover her remarkable legacy and read the tributes shared by colleagues and friends from across the global IOI family.

2026 IOI Egypt Training programme, 1 - 26 November
IOI Egypt is offering an interdisciplinary training programme, entirely conducted in Arabic, focussing on regional ocean governance in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. Registrations are now open until 3 July.

IOI Germany Winter School: Ocean Governance for Sustainable Marine Social-Ecological Systems
Bringing together early-career researchers from around the world, this two-week online winter school offers an interdisciplinary exploration of marine governance, the sustainable blue economy, and socio-ecological systems. Delivered jointly by IOI Germany and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT). Applications are open now until 31 August.

IOI Ocean Academy: REGISTRATIONS OPEN: Egypt, Togo, Portugal; Thirteen Modules SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED in 13 languages
Register now for the IOI Ocean Academy online courses, and read about the modules delivered recently by our global partners in a variety of languages to make learning accessible worldwide.

IOI Ocean Academy Network News
Explore highlights from recently completed modules and see how the Ocean Academy network continues to grow across regions and communities.

Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction; Preparatory Commission Third Session (BBNJ PrepCom 3)
As the global ocean governance community advances implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, key decisions are beginning to take shape. Read more for insights from our representative Liliana Rodriguez Cortes at United Nations Headquarters on the outcomes of PrepCom 3. Discover what progress was made - and what challenges remain ahead of COP1 in 2027.

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