Be a part of a decentralized, massive deliberation that will actively engage citizens worldwide in shaping ocean governance. In collaboration with Missions Publiques, CSPO, and Make.org, we’re committed to addressing the challenges our ocean faces through participation and deliberation.
Why this? Why now?
The ocean isn’t just teeming with life and biodiversity; it’s a lifeline that sustains our planet. Often described as the “lung of humanity,” it’s indispensable for our survival. Yet, our ocean is in grave danger. We stand at a pivotal moment, as the BBNJ treaty signals a clarion call for a radical shift in governance—a historic milestone! Our actions today will determine the future of our most precious resource and the fate of generations to come.
In response to this urgent call, the Global Citizens’ Dialogue on the Ocean empowers citizens worldwide to actively participate in shaping the future of ocean governance, fostering inclusivity, accountability, and the preservation of our planet’s ocean for generations to come.
“Let us strive to deliver on an agreement that will be fair, balanced, implementable and which will attract universal participation“
Rena Lee, Ambassador for Oceans and Law of the Sea Issues and Intergovernmental Conference President
Our mission
- Universal Participation: We pledge to engage the voices of citizens worldwide, representing diverse perspectives from all 5 continents, all educational background, gender and age, and ensuring that they play an integral role in shaping ocean governance. We believe that the decisions about the future of the ocean, its protection, preservation as well as its just and ethical management should involve voices from every corner of the world.
- Propose 50+ concrete recommendations on 5 specific issues: We empower global citizens to actively contribute their perspectives and visions to influence decisions that will impact today’s humanity and future generations. The issues at stake are currently being discussed by a prefiguration of a Scientific Committee.
- Impact Ocean Governance: at all levels: By engaging citizens, we aim to influence high-stakes decisions and create an ocean governance model that is more inclusive, accountable, and sustainable. We aim for the final report of the Dialogue to be presented by citizens at UNOC 2025 in Nice and serve as a reference for discussions and decision-making at the conference. It will highlight the citizens’ priorities and concrete recommendations to enhance ocean protection on the long-run. Major issues and controversies will be at the core of the process.
A decentralized process to engage all 5 continents
A decentralized method towards global participation
Our approach is rooted in decentralization, made possible by our robust network of local partners spanning 100 countries. These partners are poised and prepared to conduct in-person dialogues tailored to their respective regions, languages, and cultural contexts. This is how we ensure that the often marginalized voices significantly contribute to shaping the recommendations for a better future, even without an internet connection.
Concrete recommendations
Our goal is to capture citizen recommendations through decentralized dialogues across more than 100 countries, complemented by a large-scale, multilingual online consultation. This approach ensures diversity and inclusion, as we bring together a wide spectrum of participants, including indigenous communities, youth, and civil society.
With key inputs from indigenous people
Our protocols extend an invitation indigenous people who have a profound and centuries-old relationship with the ocean. Their traditional knowledge, passed down through generations, offers unique insights into ocean ecosystems and sustainable practices. By including these voices, we honor their wisdom and contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to ocean governance.
Join the Dialogue
To explore sponsorship opportunities, to become a member of our Scientific Committee, Governance Committee or Impact Committee, or a local partner, please contact us now.
By partnering with us, you are making Ocean governance more participatory, more inclusive and more just for today and tomorrow.
ParticipAction and the Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes at Arizona State University (CSPO) support the Global Citizen Dialogue on the Ocean, initiated by Missions Publiques. Make.org is a collaborator on the mass consultation phase.