United By the Ocean: When the Ocean wins we all win
Join The Ocean Race and Friends of Ocean Action at COP31 as we unite ocean advocates, world leaders, and scientists to turn passion into planetary action. Inspired by the Ocean Pavilion Declaration, this session champions crucial convergence and cross-sector collaboration across the ocean-climate-biodiversity nexus—proving that when sport, science, and policy align, real change happens fast. The Ocean Race, an around the world sailing race, often dubbed the toughest test
teamwork, brings parallels to the winning mindset and collaboration needed when faced with grand challenges for our planet like climate change and ocean health.
Grounded in the Friends of Ocean Action Vision for 2030, our discussions highlight how a thriving ocean is essential for global stability, economic security, and climate resilience. Discover how The Ocean Race uses its sporting platform and high-seas endurance racing fleet as mobile observatories—collecting vital climate data from the most remote waters on Earth, advances ocean literacy, and translates complex marine research into compelling public communications that inspire global stewardship.
Confirmed Speakers
Johan Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, Professor in Earth System Science at the University of Potsdam and Professor in Water Systems and Global Sustainability at Stockholm University.
Peter Thomson, UNSG's Special Envoy for the Ocean
Grethel Aguilar, Director General of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Ela Gökçiğdem, Founder Ocean Finance Education Lab, Earth Echo Ocean Ambassador, Co-founder The Marmara Project
Host: Richard Brisius, Chairman, The Ocean Race
Please note places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The Ocean Race Team