At the One Ocean Science Congress (4–6 June) and the Third UN Ocean Conference (9–13 June), ocean observing was moved into the global spotlight. Together with the UNESCO-IOC and partners, GOOS delivered an important message: without sustained observations, our shared future is at risk.
Over the course of two intense transformative weeks in Nice, the global ocean community came together to shape the future of ocean sustainability. From the One Ocean Science Congress (OOSC) to the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), the message was clear: ocean observations are essential for a safe and healthy planet, and must be recognized and supported as critical infrastructure.
GOOS was proud to host, co-organize, and actively participate in events that positioned ocean observing not as a background service, but as a fundamental pillar providing the data that underpins policy and services across climate, biodiversity, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
As Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary of UNESCO-IOC said: “Sustained ocean observations – both in situ and satellite – are essential to the wellbeing, safety, and prosperity of all nations, coastal and landlocked alike. We need to observe the ocean as if life depends on it – because it does.”
Observing the Ocean, Informing the Future
The visibility of ocean issues – and ocean solutions – has never been higher. Presidents, ministers, royalty, and international leaders gathered in Nice and exchanged with scientists and experts on key issues requiring urgent action. And for the first time at this scale, ocean observing was an important part of that conversation.
Whether discussing digital ocean twins, carbon accountability, tipping points, biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction or climate and coastal resilience, the message was consistent: We need more observations, and more importantly, we need sustainable observing systems – ones that do not rely solely on the shoulders of the scientific community, short-term funding, and a handful of governments.
A consistent message throughout the discussions was the need to expand the network of actors engaged in sustaining ocean observations. This includes integrating new users and elevating those who are already operating. Meaningful participation from these groups is no longer a “nice-to-have” but it is essential for long-term resilience.
Co-design was also frequently mentioned throughout the two weeks, underscoring its growing visibility as a process to increase impact in ocean discourse. Yet, often this was an aspiration rather than reality. There is still a significant gap in exploring how co-design processes can shift institutional practices, reshape investment and impact, and become a norm rather than a novelty.
From Science to Policy: Outcomes from the One Ocean Science Congress
At OOSC 2025, more than 2,000 scientists delivered a united voice to world leaders: secure financing for ocean prediction and observation, and strengthen the science-policy interface by integrating traditional, indigenous, and scientific knowledge systems.
Among the ten thematic recommendations presented to Heads of State was a strong call to invest in inclusive, transdisciplinary research infrastructure; to expand long-term, space-based and in situ observing systems; to improve ocean modeling and climate risk forecasting; and to translate observations into real-world impact through co-design.
GOOS actively participated in ocean science and governance discussions, and contributed to these dialogues by convening a dedicated Town Hall session. In the session, GOOS underscored the urgency of sustained ocean observing, and how this key infrastructure is having direct impact today across operational services, ocean health and management, and climate adaptation:
“Ocean observations are not optional – they are the backbone of sound policy and decision-making, already improving forecasts and supporting marine spatial planning and resource management. Urgent action from nations is needed to secure and sustain the observing system, ensuring that these essential services are built on a stable, inclusive, and resilient data foundation,” said Joanna Post, GOOS Director.
GOOS at UNOC3: From Dialogue to Delivery
Throughout UNOC3, GOOS played an active role in a wide range of side events and high-level meetings. Among many contributions, GOOS hosted a flagship event aboard the Statsraad Lehmkuhl on 12 of June, where participants – from UN agencies to national representatives and scientific leaders – spoke up for the urgent need to treat ocean observing as critical infrastructure (see speaker quotes here). The event highlighted how today’s weather forecasts, early warning systems, and marine resource management already rely heavily on ocean data, and how future innovation in the blue economy will depend on strengthening and expanding the observing system.
In parallel, together with the World Meteorological Organization and the International Maritime Organization, GOOS launched the “10 000 Ships for the Ocean” initiative, which aims to harness the potential of the global shipping fleet to dramatically scale up ocean observations. This public-private partnership represents a bold step forward in expanding cost-effective, automated data collection, offering benefits across climate services, operational safety, and environmental stewardship.
Another milestone for the ocean observing community was the launch of the Space4Ocean Alliance – an international coalition that brings together the space and ocean communities to integrate satellite and in situ data for better decision-making in coastal and marine environments. For UNESCO-IOC and GOOS, this alliance is a major opportunity to build collaboration around ocean observations between space and in situ communities, and to ensure that integrated ocean observing supports science-based solutions to critical ocean and coastal challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Global Call to Action
The outcomes of OOSC and UNOC3 mark a pivotal moment: Ocean observing is no longer taken for granted. It is now increasingly recognized as critical infrastructure for addressing climate change, building resilience, supporting sustainable economies, and safeguarding life in the ocean and on land.
But the current ocean observing system is subcritical, and recognition must now translate into sustained action. The momentum from these two weeks must carry forward into concrete commitments: governments, the private sector, and civil society all have a role to play in securing the future of ocean observing. This means investing not as an act of charity, but as a strategic priority; connecting data to everyday decisions that protect lives and livelihoods; and expanding the community of voices advocating for a resilient, inclusive, and fit-for-purpose observing system delivered through GOOS.
GOOS will continue to lead and support this transformation, strengthening partnerships and pushing for coordinated global action. Because observing the ocean is not optional. It is foundational to the sustainable, secure, and equitable future we all depend on.