Workshop on Promoting the Implementation of the UN Ocean Decade Programmes successfully held
From January 12 to 13, the Workshop on Promoting the Implementation of the United Nations Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) (Ocean Decade) Programmes was successfully held. Under the theme of “Deeply Engaging in the Ocean Decade Actions, Jointly Promoting Ocean Science and Technology Transformation”, the Workshop was jointly organized by the United Nations Decade Collaborative Centre on Ocean and Climate Nexus and Coordination Amongst Decade Implementing Partners in P.R. China (DCC-OCC), East China Normal University (ECNU), and the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO) of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) of China. It received support from various entities including the Administrative Center for China’s Agenda 21, the China Oceanic Development Foundation (CODF), the Ocean Decade Cooperation Center of China, and Southern University of Science and Technology. Over 100 representatives from 46 institutions across the country participated in the event, including government officials, researchers and representatives of enterprise, foundations, NGOs, and international organizations. The Workshop comprised 5 sessions including an opening ceremony, invited reports, experience sharing, future prospects, and strategic discussions, covering over 30 presentations and 4 different thematic discussions.
Onsite Workshop
During the opening ceremony, speeches were delivered by Mr. WANG Antao, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department of MNR, Mr. SHI Guoyue, Vice President of ECNU, Dr. QIAO Fangli, Deputy Director of FIO, MNR and Academician of the European Academy of Sciences, and Mr. PAN Xinchun, Vice Chairman and Secretary-General of CODF. The speakers reviewed and acknowledged the achievements and contributions made during the implementation of the Ocean Decade and provided valuable suggestions for better engagement. They also called for continued active participation and support from all stakeholders.
Dr. JIANG Xingwei, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Dr. ZHANG Zhanhai, Chairman of the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association (COMRA) and former chief engineer of MNR, and Mr. QIN Jie, Chief Engineer and Deputy General Manager of CCCC-FNESI Engineering Co., Ltd., delivered keynote speeches. Representatives from DCC-OCC, endorsed Decade Programmes, Projects, and Decade Implementation Partners also presented their work. Participants engaged in lively discussions on topics such as promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, enhancing China's contributions to the Ocean Decade, extensive involvement of stakeholders and encouraging participation from Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) in the Ocean Decade. The consensus among participants was to further integrate international cooperation resources in China's marine research sector and establish a positive interaction between Decade Actions. This aims to fully leverage the role of DCC-OCC in providing ocean research-based solutions to address climate change.
The Ocean Decade aims to strengthen global cooperation, promote seamless integration between marine science and technology innovation and global ocean governance, and provide stronger scientific and technological support for the realization of sustainable human development. This Workshop has further strengthened and expanded the domestic cooperation network of the Ocean Decade. Relevant reports and achievements will help to promote China's deeper participation in the Ocean Decade, strengthen the synergies and effectiveness of domestic activities related to the Ocean Decade, and efficiently support the work of the National Decade Committee of China, and form a representative Chinese contribution to marine science and technology.