COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion endorsed by UN Ocean Decade

The Ocean Decade, proclaimed by the United Nations for 2021–2030, aims to deliver “the science we need for the ocean we want”. It brings together governments, scientists, civil society, and industry to co-design and implement transformative solutions for sustainable ocean management.  

Endorsement as a ‘Decade Activity’ recognises initiatives that directly contribute to this vision – including awareness-raising events, scientific workshops, training opportunities, and publications that advance the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. 

The Virtual Ocean Pavilion (VOP) provides an inclusive, digital space that amplifies the ocean’s voice within and democratises access to international climate negotiations. Now entering its fifth year, the Pavilion will coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, from 10–21 November 2025. 

Find out more and register for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion >> 

Accessible from anywhere in the world, demonstrated by the registrations from 138 countries last year, the VOP hosts live and on-demand events, interviews, and virtual exhibition booths that highlight the vital connection between the ocean and climate. It also features educational resources, interactive content, and art celebrating the ocean’s role in sustaining life on Earth. 

PML’s lead organiser and co-founder of the Virtual Ocean Pavilion, Thecla Keizer, said of the news: 

“We’re delighted that the Virtual Ocean Pavilion has been endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade Activity. This recognition underscores the importance of making ocean knowledge accessible to everyone – from policymakers to school children – and ensuring the ocean is central to climate conversations. We are proud to support transparency and equitable access to climate discussions and resources, helping to bridge the gap between science, policy and public engagement.” 

Thecla Keizer 

Deputy Head International Office & International Marketing and Business Development Executive 

Through this year’s Pavilion, organisers aim to strengthen collaboration between the ocean, climate and biodiversity communities, highlight national and regional action under the BBNJ Agreement (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction), and build on the outcomes of the third UN Ocean Conference. 

Registration for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion is free, providing access to a great selection of live and on-demand events, exhibits, key messages, roundtable discussions, interviews with ocean-climate experts, a Treasure Trove of ocean-related information, art and other media, a searchable overview of COP30 ocean events, and more! The Pavilion is open from 3–21 November 2025 with on-demand content until 22 December 2025. 

Find out more and register for the COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion >> 

The COP30 Virtual Ocean Pavilion is co-organised by The Global Ocean Forum, Plymouth Marine Laboratory and Ocean Generation.