Osaka, Japan, October 4, 2025 – At Expo 2025 Osaka, the Ocean Panel Secretariat (based at WRI), in partnership with the Canada Pavilion and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, organised a workshop championing the 100% Alliance, a global coalition of countries committed to sustainably managing 100% of their ocean areas through, sustainable ocean plans (SOPs).
Hosted at the Canada Pavilion, the session spotlighted the urgent need for comprehensive ocean stewardship and brought together policymakers, scientists, and civil society leaders from across the Indo-Pacific to explore how countries can holistically manage their waters.
“Canada, with the world’s longest coastline, knows the responsibility we share for healthy oceans.” Said Laurie Peters, Commissioner General of the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025. “Hosting the 100% Alliance for Sustainable Ocean Management at the Canada Pavilion, built on the theme of regeneration, reflects our commitment to sustainability and to Expo 2025 Osaka’s vision of creating a future society for our lives.”
“In Canada, we know sustainable ocean management and prosperity go hand in hand,” said Niall O’Dea, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister at Fisheries and Oceans Canada. “Canada was proud to partner with the WRI and the Canada Pavilion at Expo 2025 to discuss how governments can work together to protect our oceans while developing strong blue economies.”
The workshop featured a preview of the ‘Handbook on Sustainable Ocean Plans: A Practitioners’ Guide’, a practical guide to help governments translate global ocean goals into national action, as well as a hands-on action planning workshop. Regional case studies from Chinese Taipei, Malaysia, and Japan highlighted practical steps governments are already taking to align with global goals such as the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework and SDG 14. A key focus of discussions was on translating global ambition into national roadmaps through better governance, data and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
Canada and Japan, were joined by fellow Ocean Panel countries including Namibia, France and Indonesia in support of the 100% Alliance.
“The 100% Alliance is a global movement to ensure every square kilometre of national ocean is sustainably managed. Through the SOP Handbook, we’re giving governments the tools to turn ambition into action to support the blue economy, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience,” said Tom Pickerell, Global Director of WRI’s Ocean Program and Head of the Ocean Panel Secretariat. “Through this event in partnership with the Expo 2025 Canada Pavilion and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, we’ve demonstrated how collaboration can help to accelerate national action toward a healthier ocean future.”
With strong leadership from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and participation from leading international organisations including Sasakawa Peace Foundation, WWF Malaysia and WWF Japan, the event marked another milestone in advancing the 100% Approach – building on key relationships and setting the tone for further action at COP31 and beyond.
