The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and the Government of Egypt, through the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries (NIOF), are organizing the "Regional Conference for the Launch of the UN Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development in Africa and Adjacent Island States", from 10-12 May 2021, in a hybrid format (online with limited physical presence in Alexandria, Egypt).

The Conference will provide a forum to take stock of the state of ocean science and technology in the region, to deliberate on how ocean science in Africa should be supported and focused on achieving the societal outcomes required by the Decade, and also to seek the interest and commitment of the ocean science community to engage in a number of research directions that are essential for sustainable ocean management.

In preparation for the launch conference, pre-conference workshops are planned virtually.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the event has been postopend. New dates: from 24 to 26 January 2021 (14:00 UTC). These pre-conference workshops will focus on four thematic areas:

1. Climate change, pollution and other environmental stressors

2. Ocean Economics and Food Security

3. Ocean Observations and Monitoring and Access to Data and Information

4. Capacity Building and Oceanography

 Sign up here: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xb4P42r3Q0Si9hrhB5v-tw