The Fourteenth Session of the GOOS Steering Committee (SC-14) was held from 19 to 21 February 2025 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France, with an option for online participation. The meeting brought together Steering Committee members and partners to set priorities for the 2025–2027 period and lay the foundation for an updated Work Plan. A cross-panel meeting held prior to SC-14 facilitated broader integration across GOOS Expert Panels.

During the SC-14 meeting, the Steering Committee advanced key decisions to strengthen GOOS operations, build on the GOOS 2030 Strategy and the Framework for Ocean Observing, and drive progress across the system. Discussions focused on strategic priorities, partner engagement, resource needs, and implementation of the GOOS Reform process to enhance governance, transparency, and decision-making.

Among the major outcomes was the identification of six priority areas for the GOOS Work Plan 2025–2027, including:

• GOOS coordination and management (core activities);
• Observation system integration, design, development and delivery;
• Maintain and strengthen data integration and delivery;
• System implementation: i) at national and regional level and ii) and applications;
• Outreach: projects, partners and communications;
• GOOS governance reform.

While acknowledging ongoing resource challenges, the Committee emphasized the need for clearer processes, stronger collaboration, and decisive, action-driven outcomes. SC-14 marked an important step forward in ensuring that GOOS continues to evolve into a more integrated, transparent, and sustained system that meets the needs of Member States and the broader ocean observing community.

Read the full meeting report (including decisions and recommendations) here.