Week 2 at COP30 in Belem, Brazil will have a strong focus on the ocean. In the official programme, November 17 and 18 will elevate “both planetary and community stewardship – centering on Forests, Oceans, and Biodiversity”. Meanwhile the Ocean Pavilion will hold events throughout the conference and the Virtual Ocean Pavilion is also live for participants who wish to join remotely.
Here is a list of highlights to watch out for:
Monday, November 17
Africa’s Ocean-Climate Leadership: Mobilizing Action from COP30 to the Our Ocean Conference (12:00 – 13:00, Ocean Pavilion, Blue Zone)
Hosted by Ocean Panel member, Kenya and the World Resources Institute, this high-level session will spotlight Africa’s growing leadership in advancing ocean-climate solutions and unveil Kenya’s priorities and official dates for hosting the 2026 Our Ocean Conference. Featuring high-level speakers and interactive dialogue, the event aims to mobilise new partnerships, financing, and commitments to accelerate ocean-climate resilience and action across the continent.
Global Mutirão for the Ocean: Accelerating the Ocean Breakthroughs (12:30-13:30, Action Room 2, Area B, Blue Zone).
This session will spotlight global and local leadership in advancing ocean-climate solutions while highlighting progress on the Ocean Breakthroughs initiative, featuring the launch of the Ocean Breakthroughs Dashboard.
Tuesday, November 18
From Ambition to Implementation: Delivering Ocean Commitments (10:30-12:00, SE Room 2, Madeira)
This high-level event will focus feature actions shifting ocean-climate ambition to tangible implementation, showcasing progress under the Blue NDC Challenge and the Action Agenda Blue Package. Bringing together governments and non-state actors to deliver on the First Global Stocktake and chart the course for stronger, more coordinated ocean-climate action heading into COP31.
The Blue NDC Challenge: New Joiners (10:30-12:00, SE Room 2, Madeira).
This ministerial-level event will highlight renewed ambition and concrete delivery on ocean-climate commitments through the Blue NDC Challenge. It will feature the announcement of new participating countries and mark the initiative’s transition into a delivery-focused mechanism through the formation of the Blue NDC Taskforce, designed to accelerate integration of ocean action into national climate strategies.
Keeping the Paris Spirit Alive: Global Cooperation and Partnerships for Ocean-Climate Action (12:30-13:30, Thematic Hub).
Celebrate 10 years since COP21 by recognising the ‘Paris Spirit’, the global cooperation and high-impact ocean partnerships that drive climate action.
Wednesday, 19 November
Addressing global Ocean challenges in a dynamic Landscape: Science, Solutions and Diplomacy (9:00-10:00, Ocean Pavilion)
This event highlights the pace of human-driven ocean impacts as it continues to accelerate, set against a backdrop of rapid societal transformation and geopolitical uncertainty. Following a high-level governmental address, panellists will explore how international cooperation is evolving across sectors, discuss best practices & identify actionable strategies to strengthen collaborative efforts in addressing pressing ocean challenges.
Making Waves from UNOC to Cop 31 – Oceans of Collaboration at COP30 (12:00-13:00, Australia Pavilion)
Building on the momentum from the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) and looking ahead to COP31, this panel will explore how equitable, cross-regional collaboration can translate ocean-climate ambition into impact. Focusing on partnerships between Australia and Pacific nations, the session will highlight mechanisms for shared stewardship, blue governance, and investment that connects climate, communities, and ocean health.
时间he Blue NDC Challenge: Scaling Ocean Solutions in the Next Climate Decade (16:30-17:30, Ocean Pavilion).
Since its launch by France and Brazil at UNOC, the Blue NDC Challenge has become a rallying call to champion ocean solutions at the heart of global climate action. This high-level session will launch the report – The State of Ocean-based Climate Action in Updated 2025 NDCs - spotlighting progress made since June and showcasing how ocean-based solutions are being integrated into national strategies for mitigation, adaption, and resilience. Leaders will highlight opportunities, lessons, and gaps as we enter the decisive next decade where it will be critical to ensuring ocean action delivers for people, nature, and the Paris Agreement.
