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IOC Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (WESTPAC)

Advancing knowledge and cooperation for a healthy ocean and prosperous society

2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Scientific Conference

“Accelerating Ocean Science Solutions for Sustainable Development”

2nd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference & 11th WESTPAC International Scientific Conference

Bangkok, Thailand, 22–25 April 2024

Overview

Under the banner, “We commit to Accelerating Ocean Science Solutions for Sustainable Development!”, the resolute voice of 1,200 participants, 45% of whom are female, from over 40 countries resonated throughout event, held in Bangkok from April 22 to 25, 2024.

This significant gathering brought together a diverse array of ocean stakeholders, including governments, research communities/academia, private and business sectors, philanthropic foundations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society.

The remarkable turnout set a new benchmark in the history of the Sub-Commission. Unfolded with a prestigious opening attended by the Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand, the Conference featured:

  • 7 Keynote presentations delivered by invited speakers of different ocean stakeholder groups to share their insider knowledge and fresh perspectives about the Ocean;
  • 25 Scientific Session dedicated to sharing and disseminating the latest knowledge about ocean priority issues in the region;
  • 13 Decade Action Workshops to examine development progress and formulate action plans for endorsed Decade programmes and projects (Decade Actions);
  • 11 Decade Action Incubators established to transform ideas into concrete Decade Actions;
  • A Townhall discussion centered on the outcomes of the Barcelona Conference and the Decade Vision 2030, offering insights and actional recommendations to tackle ocean priority issues in the region towards sustainable development;
  • A Special Forum on the South China Sea, held in collaboration with UNEP/GEF SCS SAP project, reviewed the project scientific findings and their applications to local management in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand;
  • 8 side events were arranged on the sidelines of the Conference, showcasing the latest development in ocean science and technology, such as marine ecological ranching, the ocean satellite GOCI-II and meet the journals;
  • A photo Competition on Coral Reef Restoration 2024 to raise public awareness and engagement in coral reef restoration and marine conservation.

Additionally, as a longstanding tradition of the WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference, the Outstanding Scientist Awards 2024, presented on 23 April, honored five ocean scientists for their science achievement, and great contribution to international ocean science development and cooperation in the region. In a bid to ignite youth enthusiasm for ocean science and cooperation, the Conference spotlighted 6 Best Young Scientist Oral Presentation Awards, and 2 Best Young Scientist Poster Presentation Awards meticulously selected from a pool of 300 applications.

The Conference culminated in the issuance of the Early Career and Mid-Career Ocean Professionals Statement (ECOPs and MCOPs), and the Bangkok Declaration1. These collective commitments from all participants aimed at accelerating the development of ocean science solutions, empowering diverse stakeholders as co-architects of ocean stewardship, nurturing ocean leaders through widespread literacy and education, harnessing technical and technological innovations, supporting early career ocean professionals, and advancing international ocean science development and cooperation in the region for a sustainable ocean.

Lastly, the Sub-Commission embraced the invitation from the Government of the Philippines to host the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference and the 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference in 2027.

Summary Report

To the First Announcement.

To the Conference Website.

News to Conference

Highlights

Bangkok Declaration

Outstanding Scientist Award 2024

Young Scientist Award 2024