Between April 15-17, 2024, Greece hosted the 9^th Our Ocean Conference at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). The Our Ocean Conference (OOC) was first launched under the initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the Secretary of State John Kerry in 2014, aiming to fill in the then-existing gap in global ocean governance.

The annual global event prioritises the following areas of action: MPAs, sustainable blue economies, climate change, maritime security, sustainable fisheries and marine pollution. Within these, Greece addressed four aspects as horizontal elements: sustainable tourism in costal areas and islands, reduction of marine plastics and microplastic pollution, green shipping, green transition in the Mediterranean.

What was Achieved in 2024

OOC9 in Athens hosted more than 3,800 participants representing more 119 countries, who participated in more than 100 sessions, and contributed with 469 new commitments, worth 11,3 billion dollars. That brings the total to over 2600 commitments over the last decade and 140 billion USD.

Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit

The Conference kicked off on April 15th, with the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit in partership with Sustainable Ocean Alliance, during which over 100 youth delegates from around the globe came together to network and exchange experiences while having the opportunity to hear from inspirational ocean conservationists such as Dr. Sylvia Earle.

As a platform for Youth-led Solutions, the summit fosters innovative ideas and commitments, shaping an informed, skilled, and passionate generation dedicated to oceans’ well-being. Guided by comprehensive objectives, it addresses challenges and opportunities in diverse ocean-related sectors, actively involving youth in shaping the future of Our Ocean.

Our Ocean Film Festival

The Our Ocean Film Festival that ran parallel to the Conferene at the Athens Concert Hall, presented films produced by the Conference’s participants and was open to the public to raise awareness of environmental issues, highlight the actions of NGOs for the protection of the environment and encourage the creation of innovative and inspiring documentaries.

The Ocean Race

One of the most exciting events held as part of OOC9 was the Relay4Nature by The Ocean Race. In a symbolic relay that was held on Monday, April 15th, “Nature’s Baton” was handed over by Mr. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary – General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean, to Dr. Dionysia – Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Ocean and “Our Ocean Conference 2024” Coordinator. During the closing ceremony on April 17th, the baton was passed by Greek Mininster of Enviroment & Energy, Mr Theodoros Skylakakis to the representative of the Republic of Korea that will host the next global ocean conference in 2025.

Working alongside the Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Oceans and OOC9 Coordinator, Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, was an exciting experience that not only offered the opportunity to engage with current and future ocean leaders but also to be part of the dynamic and passionate team who made it all possible. For this I am very thankful!