The COP31 Presidency is placing implementation at the centre of its Action Agenda, with ‘Oceans and Seas’ identified as a priority for strengthening marine and coastal resilience and unlocking the ocean’s contribution to climate action. This includes four core focus areas: advancing blue carbon integration into national climate strategies, coastal ecosystem resilience, ocean observation and data partnerships and supporting vulnerable coastal communities.
In their 2026 Communiqué, published in September, the Ocean Panel members looked ahead to COP31 as “the moment when the ocean moves from the margins of climate discussions to the centre of global climate action and implementation”.
Building on these priorities, the Ocean Panel and partners will convene events that call for stronger integration of the ocean into climate action through improved ocean observations and inclusion in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), as well as greater recognition of equity in ocean policy, planning and finance. Together, these priorities can help translate ocean-climate ambition into practical action that delivers for people and planet.
Below is a list of events to watch at COP31:
Building Momentum Toward the 12th Our Ocean Conference
Date/Time: 14 November | 11:00–11:45
Location: Canada Pavilion
This event will bring together partners to build momentum toward the conference, taking stock of progress and exploring priorities for strengthening international cooperation, mobilising ambitious commitments and accelerating implementation.
The Importance of Ocean Observing for Society, Climate and Nature
Date/Time: 16 November | 15:30–16:15
Location: Nordic Pavilion
This event will highlight the role of ocean observation systems (OOS) in advancing climate action and welcome new members to the OOS Alliance, showcasing growing international collaboration to strengthen ocean observing systems and ensure the data needed to inform climate action are available to decision-makers.
Blue NDC Challenge Accepted: Launch of the Implementation Taskforce
Date/Time: 17 November | 9:00–9:50
Location: Ocean Pavilion
This event will mark the launch of the Blue NDC Taskforce, bringing together key partners to accelerate the integration of ocean-based solutions into national climate commitments.
Ocean Equity: Bridging the Gap Between Ambition and Action for a Fair and Inclusive Blue Economy
Date/Time: 18 November | 10:00–10:45
Location: Portugal Pavilion
This event will present progress on the Ocean Panel’s Ocean Equity workstream and explore how a clearer understanding of the relationships between people and the ocean can inform more inclusive and equitable approaches to ocean governance.
