The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 ('Ocean Decade') call 2026

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 ('Ocean Decade') provides a convening framework for diverse sectors from around the world to co-design and co-deliver the scientific knowledge and the partnerships needed to achieve a better understanding of the ocean system, and deliver science-based solutions to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 
The vision of the Ocean Decade is ‘the science we need for the ocean we want’.
 
To achieve the Ocean Decade vision, a wide range of partners will implement endorsed Decade Actions in the form of programmes, projects or activities until 2030 and beyond that address the 10 Decade Challenges.

You are invited to contribute to that vision by requesting endorsement for transformative Decade Actions via Call for Decade Actions No. 11/2026, in line with the priorities outlined in the Barcelona Statement and Vision 2030 process.

2026 marks the sixth year of implementation of the Ocean Decade, which kicked off in January with a historic milestone for ocean governance: the entry into force of the BBNJ Agreement on marine biological diversity in the high seas.

Building on this momentum, and looking towards the global ocean community's next milestone gathering at the upcoming Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 7-9 April 2027, Call for Decade Actions No. 11/2026 is open to initiatives that enhance the science-policy-society nexus, translating scientific evidence into policies for sustainable ocean management and community well-being. It also invites contributions to provide travel support to enable participation in the 2027 Conference.

This Call consists of three different parts:*

PART I. Expression of interest for decade programmes

The process for proposing Decade Programmes involves two stages:

1. Submission of Expression of Interest outlining, among others:

How the Programme will host and support coordination of endorsed Decade Projects

How it plans to address a thematic area or geographic region not yet substantially covered by existing Decade Programmes

How the science and knowledge generated will support decision-making and contribute to sustainable development

Make sure to read the full set of eligibility criteria for Decade Programmes in the Guidance Note for Applicants before applying.

Click here to access the online form.

Deadline: 31 May 2026, 23.59h UTC.

2. Submission of full Programme proposal

Proponents will be notified of the outcome by 15 June 2026, and successful applicants will be invited to submit a full Programme proposal by 31 August 2026, 23:59 UTC.

Part II. Ocean Decade Projects

At the Project level, 31 endorsed Decade Programmes are inviting Decade Project submissions. Please see the Guidance Note for Applicants for the full list.

Click here to access the online form.

Deadline: 31 August 2026, 23:59h UTC.

Part III. Ocean Decade Contributions

The Call is soliciting submissions of financial or in-kind resources:

For travel support for the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference

For the coordination of the Ocean Decade and/or Decade Actions

Click here to access the online form.

Deadline: 31 August 2026, 23:59h UTC.