The European Commission in association with the European External Action service is launching the International Ocean Governance Forum on 22-24 April 2020 in Brussels.

The IOG Forum will provide a platform for actors, stakeholders within and beyond Europe for interactive dialogue on ocean challenges and governance solutions in support of the follow-up and further development of the EU International Ocean Governance Agenda.

The EU has made healthy, productive, safe, secure and resilient oceans through a coherent cross-sectoral and rules-based international approach its mission with this agenda for the future of our oceans. The focus will be on developing recommendations for action on improving the international ocean governance framework, reducing pressure on oceans and seas and creating the conditions for a sustainable ‘blue’ economy and strengthening the ocean knowledge system.

UPDATE 24/3/2020

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we have decided to change the format of the International Ocean Governance (IOG) Forum, originally scheduled for 22-24 April in Brussels.

Ocean governance cannot wait for viruses to stop from spreading. To do justice to the importance of the subject, we will not cancel or postpone the meeting but partially move to a digital format.

Therefore, the IOG-Forum Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) will be launched via online webinars between 22-24 April.

Further information about the exact timing and registration process of the online TWGs will be provided within the next 2 weeks.

Regular updates will also appear on the IOG Forum website

We count on your enthusiasm and participation and want to prove, together with you, that virtual meetings can be just as effective as physical meetings. This experience may inspire future, low-carbon meeting practice, also in better days.

Please also note in your calendars the next IOG-Forum meeting on 9-11 December in Brussels, including a high-level plenary and meetings of the Thematic Working Groups (TWGs).

We look forward to meeting you on 22-24 April!