Aboard METEOR:
from science to ocean action

09:00-10:00 h

German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Breakfast TV: V.ECOP Days 2025

• Organisation: Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung (KDM)
• Format: Science talk
  
  The V.ECOP Days 2025 bring together young marine scientists and policy makers to promote the dialogue for sustainable ocean development. Building on successful previous events, an interdisciplinary format will be created to strengthen the dialogue at a global level. The focus will be on the contributions to the UN Decade of the Ocean and the achievement of SDG 14, supported by a central platform: vecop.net.

German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
Film presentation: 25 UN Ocean Decade Actions

• Organisation: German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
• Format: Film presentation
  
  To strengthen the UN Decade of the Ocean, the ODK is showing a teaser film on 25 innovative German projects at METEOR III. The bilingual film (German/English) presents the broad commitment of science, business and society. It is intended to motivate other stakeholders to make their own contributions to the sustainable use of the oceans. The presentation supports the accreditation of METEOR III as a platform for the UN Ocean Conference.

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10:00-13:00 h

German Marine Research Alliance (DAM)
Solution-driven ocean research: global perspectives

• Organisation: German Marine Research Alliance (DAM)
• Format: Workshop

The workshop brings together international experts to interlink solution-oriented marine research. The focus will be on mission-oriented research and its potential to address global challenges. The aim is to identify supportive frameworks and formulate joint recommendations. The results will be included in a policy briefing for research, policy and society.

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13:00-15:00 h

BMUKN / BMFTR / Federal Foreign Office (AA)
Together for One Ocean: Germany and partners for SDG 14

• Organisation: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN),  Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), Federal Foreign Office (AA)
• Format: High-level reception
  
  The reception will serve as a kick-off for the events on board the research vessel METEOR. The event will serve as a platform to highlight German activities that support efforts for the sustainable use and protection of the oceans on a national and international level.

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15:30-17:30 h

German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
Global Meeting, Ocean Decade Committees

• Organisation: Ocean Decade Comitees (ODK) Germany, New Zealand & Brazil and IOC-UNESCO
• Format: Workshop
  
  The working meeting brings together members and coordinators of the National Decade Committees from around the world for a face-to-face exchange on the sidelines of UNOC 2025. The focus will be on common challenges, success stories and concrete solutions for the implementation of the UN Ocean Decade. Intensive dialogue will strengthen the international cooperation on ocean protection and develop a shared vision.

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18:00-20:00 h

Federal Foreign Office (AA)
Rise for the ocean and its peoples – a call for more action

• Organisation: Federal Foreign Office (AA)
• Format: panel discussion
  
  Rising sea levels are one of the most visible effects of climate change and a major threat for many. The side events will bring together stakeholders and decision-makers to develop a collective solution. The focus will be on concrete measures, innovative approaches and a global dialogue on climate justice. The aim is to raise awareness, share responsibility and take action.

German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
V.ECOP Days 2025: ECOPs shaping the ocean’s future

• Organisation: German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
• Format: Panel discussion
  
  As part of the V.ECOP Days 2025, the research vessel FS METEOR will be the venue for an interdisciplinary dialogue between young researchers and policy makers. The aim is to bring scientific perspectives into the political process regarding the UN Ocean case and SDG 14. In order to reach a wider audience, the event will be accompanied by journalists.

09:00-10:00 h

German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Breakfast TV: V.ECOP Days 2025

• Organisation: Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung (KDM)
• Format: Science talk
  
  The V.ECOP Days 2025 bring together young marine scientists and policy makers to promote the dialogue for sustainable ocean development. Building on successful previous events, an interdisciplinary format will be created to strengthen the dialogue at a global level. The focus will be on the contributions to the UN Decade of the Ocean and the achievement of SDG 14, supported by a central platform: vecop.net.

German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
Film presentation: 25 UN Ocean Decade Actions

• Organisation: German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
• Format: Film presentation
  
  To strengthen the UN Decade of the Ocean, the ODK is showing a teaser film on 25 innovative German projects at METEOR III. The bilingual film (German/English) presents the broad commitment of science, business and society. It is intended to motivate other stakeholders to make their own contributions to the sustainable use of the oceans. The presentation supports the accreditation of METEOR III as a platform for the UN Ocean Conference

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10:00-12:00 h

Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)
No Safe Harbour: Exposing the True Beneficiaries of Crimes at Sea

• Organisation: Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)
• Format: Panel discussion
  
  Illegal fishing, trade of endangered species, human and drug trafficking: fishing vessels have become ‘getaway cars’ for criminals at sea. Unscrupulous fishing operators can make use of complex ownership structures that enable masking their illegal activities. This hides who is really profiting from IUU fishing and associated abuses – the so-called beneficial owners. The event will bring together high-level representatives from champion countries who will inspire action by outlining voluntary commitments to collect and disclose information on the beneficial owners of vessels.

Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans)
Calm and dark, not loud and bright - Marine pollution by noise and light

• Organisation: Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans)
• Format: Informational event
  
  The event will explore the growing threat of underwater noise and light pollution from human activities on marine ecosystems. Experts will discuss current research, policy gaps and innovations needed to meet the targets of SDG 14. The transdisciplinary dialogue will address how science, governance and technology can reduce emissions in our oceans. The session aims to elevate anthropogenic energy emissions as a key challenge in the UN Ocean Decade.

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13:00-15:00 h

GEOMAR / GIZ
Bridging Science, Policy and Society for sustainable ocean management in Africa – MeerWissen and Future West African Marine Ecosystem (FUTURO)

• Organisation: GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ),
  co-organised by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOC-AFRICA)
• Format: Panel discussion and networking reception
  
  

  To stimulate science-based ocean action for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 “Life Below Water” (SDG14), this event brings together experts from science, politics and civil society across borders. The particular focus on Africa is illustrated by the MeerWissen Initiative and the planned year-long international ship-based research campaign Future West African Marine Ecosystem (FUTURO) that also contributes to the goals of the United Nations Ocean Decade. The agenda and information on the registration can be found on the event page.

BUND
Mud Matters - Tapping the Ocean Floor for Climate Solutions

• Organisation: German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND)
• Format: Science talk & panel discussion
  
  Marine sediments are vital yet often overlooked blue carbon ecosystems with significant potential for climate mitigation. This side event will highlight their role in carbon storage, illustrate the impacts of human activities such as trawling, and explore adequate conservation measures. The aim is to elevate marine sediments in the agenda of global climate strategies and advance ocean-based climate action.

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15:30-17:30 h

GIZ & Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Sustainable Aquatic Food Systems

• (BMZ), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
• Format: Panel Discussion and Networking Reception
  
  To stimulate science-based ocean action for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 “Life Below Water” (SDG14), this event brings together experts from science, politics and civil society across borders. The particular focus on Africa is illustrated by the MeerWissen Initiative and the planned year-long international ship-based research campaign Future West African Marine Ecosystem (FUTURO) that also contributes to the goals of the United Nations Ocean Decade.

Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
Building alliances to combat the loss of marine biodiversity

• Organisation: Senckenberg Society for Nature Research
• Format: Informational event
  
  The theme of the event is “Building alliances to combat the loss of marine biodiversity.” Our goal is to provide a platform where different projects, organizations, and institutions can present their work and connect with one another. After the presentations, we would like to discuss how we can join forces to achieve the goals of the UN Ocean Decade by 2030. Where do we still face challenges, and where is further action needed?

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18:00-20:00 h

BMUKN
The Future of the Deep Sea - solutions to safeguard the Common Heritage of Humankind

• Organisation:  Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety  (BMUKN)
• Format: Reception
  
  The event supports the dialogue on international deep-sea mining and sustainable raw material supply. High-level representatives from government, industry and academia will present their positions on the risks and changes in deep-sea mining and the circular economy. Technological innovations, precautionary approaches and the role of the circular economy in sustainable supply chains will be discussed. The aim is to deepen knowledge of deep-sea mining and international strategies to protect the marine ecosystem.

09:00-10:00 h

German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Breakfast TV: V.ECOP Days 2025

• Organisation: Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung (KDM)
• Format: Science talk

The V.ECOP Days 2025 bring together young marine scientists and policy makers to promote the dialogue for sustainable ocean development. Building on successful previous events, an interdisciplinary format will be created to strengthen the dialogue at a global level. The focus will be on the contributions to the UN Decade of the Ocean and the achievement of SDG 14, supported by a central platform: vecop.net.

German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
Film presentation: 25 UN Ocean Decade Actions

• Organisation: German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
• Format: Film presentation

To strengthen the UN Decade of the Ocean, the ODK is showing a teaser film on 25 innovative German projects at METEOR III. The bilingual film (German/English) presents the broad commitment of science, business and society. It is intended to motivate other stakeholders to make their own contributions to the sustainable use of the oceans. The presentation supports the accreditation of METEOR III as a platform for the UN Ocean Conference.

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10:00-12:00 h

IOC-UNESCO
From Strategy to Action: Mobilizing Partnerships for Ocean Capacity Development

• Organisation: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO)
• Format: Panel discussion

The event calls for global action on capacity development for equitable access to knowledge, technology and ocean resources. It will focus on solutions and roadmaps for the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 9 Initiatives such as the IOC OceanTeacher Global Academy Network have shown how capacity building can be implemented globally. The event - co-organised with ZMT and NIOF Egypt - demonstrates the synergy between UN institutions, training centres and research institutes.

ECOP Germany, Switzerland, Austria
Bridging Ocean Realities - joining future perspectives for the ocean we want

• Organisation: ECOP Germany, Switzerland, Austria
• Format: Workshop
  
  "Bridging Ocean Realities" promotes a dialogue between early career and established ocean professionals (ECOPs and EOPs) around the themes of capacity building, ocean literacy and future visions. It will focus on a fishbowl discussion, followed by an inspiring speed-dating session. The event will integrate video and photo exhibitions as a creative bridge between perspectives and based on the Ocean JEDI principles (justice, diversity, inclusion).

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13:00-15:00 h

Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership/EU-Mission
All Aboard! High-level blue economy networking and knowledge voyage

• Organisation: Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership (SBEP) / EU-Mission
• Format: Reception

The networking quiz will highlight the importance of German marine research in the international context and will be embedded in the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership and the EU mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters". The aim is to present F&I as a key factor for sustainable ocean planning and to strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation. High-level impulses and an interactive quiz for sustainable ocean planning will mobilise for the "Nice Ocean Action Plan".

SUBARMINER Network For Blue Growth
Inclusive mapping for the future: interactive design of MPFA corridors

• Organisation: SUBMARINER Network for Blue Growth
• Format: Workshop

The interactive event will bring together UNOC3 participants to share knowledge on marine spatial planning and protected areas. It will focus on a workshop to design ecological and socio-economic MPA corridors using real EU project tools. Participants will work with maps and data to develop realistic planning scenarios and present the results. The format supports cross-sectoral dialogue and will provide insights on how to support sustainable marine planning.

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15:30-17:30 h

WWF, BMZ, giz, Blue Action Fund:
Coastal Climate Heroes

• Organisation: WWF, BMZ, giz, Blue Action Fund
• Format: Informational event
  
  

The event will present practical German cooperation projects and promotes science-to-policy approaches. Together stakeholders from science, politics, civil society and coastal communities will discuss results and lessons learned from international cooperation for the protection, sustainable use and restoration of coastal ecosystems – our vital #CoastalClimateHeroes: mangroves, corals, salt marshes, seagrass meadows and kelp forests.

BMUKN
Protecting the High Seas - ambitious implemetation of the BBNJ agreement

• Organisation: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety  (BMUKN)
• Format: Panel discussion

The event will focus on the ambitious revision of the BBNJ Agreement. The international panel will discuss the establishment of marine protected areas, environmental assessments and the equitable use of marine resources. A special focus will be on marine protected areas in the high seas as a key to biodiversity conservation. The event is aimed at the international marine community and will support the dialogue for a rapid ratification and transfer of the Agreement.

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18:00-20:00 h

GEOMAR, HELCOM, BMUKN & BMFTR
No Time to Waste: Tackling Submerged Munitions in European Seas

• Organisation: GEOMAR, HELCOM, Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN) & Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)
• Format: Informational event

The event will highlight the problem of submerged munitions and the urgent need for action. Europe is one of the world's leading research centres and knowledge hubs for dealing with maritime munitions. International cooperation will be strengthened through exchanges with policy makers, security agencies and NGOs. The aim is to support knowledge transfer, identify concrete needs and develop solutions for a sustainable use of the oceans.

09:00-10:00 h

German Marine Research Consortium (KDM)
Breakfast TV: V.ECOP Days 2025

• Organisation: Konsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung (KDM)
• Format: Science talk

The V.ECOP Days 2025 bring together young marine scientists and policy makers to promote the dialogue for sustainable ocean development. Building on successful previous events, an interdisciplinary format will be created to strengthen the dialogue at a global level. The focus will be on the contributions to the UN Decade of the Ocean and the achievement of SDG 14, supported by a central platform: vecop.net.

German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
Film presentation: 25 UN Ocean Decade Actions

• Organisation: German Ocean Decade Committee (ODK)
• Format: Film presentation
  
  

To strengthen the UN Decade of the Ocean, the ODK is showing a teaser film on 25 innovative German projects at METEOR III. The bilingual film (German/English) presents the broad commitment of science, business and society. It is intended to motivate other stakeholders to make their own contributions to the sustainable use of the oceans. The presentation supports the accreditation of METEOR III as a platform for the UN Ocean Conference.

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10:00-12:00 h

ARTPORT_making Waves
WE ARE OCEAN: How can civil society be encouraged to marine conservation? Presentation of an interdisciplinary art-science education program

• Organisation: ARTPORT_making waves
• Format: Exhibition

The interdisciplinary art, science and education project "WE ARE OCEAN Nice" uses videos, comic strips and an open fishbowl discussion to strengthen civil society engagement in marine protection. By combining art and science, young people are encouraged to understand the ocean better and to take action locally. Project actors and the UNOC delegation will discuss the role of creative approaches for ocean awareness and develop visions for the future.

IOC-UNESCO
Talanoa - An indigenous led dialogue – meaningful engagement in international conferences

• Organisation: Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO)
• Format: Workshop
  
  

Indigenous perspectives are central to the sustainable use of the oceans and the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. The event will support dialogue, exchange and networking among indigenous actors in the context of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The aim is to strengthen the participation of indigenous communities in international processes. A discussion and networking workshop will provide the space and visibility.

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13:00-15:00 h

AWI
Polar science, climate, biodiversity - synergies of international science collaboration

• Organisation: Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
• Format: Informational event
  
  

The event brings together actors from the global ocean community to discuss new research missions and cooperation strategies. The focus will be on sustainable ocean observation, polar climate dynamics and equitable access to resources. International initiatives such as Antarctica InSync and POLARIN show the way forward for polar and marine research. The aim is to exchange on interdisciplinary cooperation and knowledge transfer within the framework of the UN Decade of the Ocean 2025.

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15:30-17:30 h

Fair Oceans
Ocean Justices – core elements of SDG 14: coastal communities, oceanography and ocean governance

• Organisation: Fair Oceans
• Format: Panel discussion

Sustainable ocean policy requires coherence between environmental and development goals, especially for indigenous coastal communities. The event will discuss ocean justice at the intersection of marine conservation, the blue economy and human rights. Interdisciplinary research and participatory approaches will be emphasised in order to make local perspectives visible. Experts from academia, civil society and affected regions will contribute practical examples and invite dialogue.

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18:00-20:00 h

Onewater
Young professionals’ debate - Is it already too late to save our oceans? Letters to the Seas.

• Organisation: Onewater
• Format: Reception

The event will create a space for exchange, cooperation and intergenerational dialogue for the protection of the ocean. "Letters to the Sea” will give young people a voice at the heart of the UN Ocean Conference and make responsibility tangible. QR codes will allow guests to connect with children and young people around the world. The event brings together science, politics, business and civil society for a shared future for the oceans.

At least one German partner must be involved in the event (exclusion criterion). Furthermore, at least one international partner and one scientific partner should be involved. The concept should contribute to at least one of the following aspects:

• Contributing to the goals of the UN Ocean Conference 2025
• Enhancing knowledge transfer
• Enhancing international cooperation
• Promoting young scientists

At METEOR, we would like to offer as many different formats as possible. We particularly welcome events including the following elements:

• Interactive formats (audience participation, live and/or online)
• Innovative methods of knowledge transfer
• Addressing and involving a diverse audience

The RV METEOR, as an event-location on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), will be present in the harbour of Nice from the 09. -12.06.2025.

We offer four time slots of two hours each on a daily basis. Shorter events within these two hours are possible, as well as longer and combined time slots, e.g. an entire afternoon and evening or a series of events on the available days.

When submitting your event proposal, you have the option to request a specific time slot and alternative timeframes. We will make every effort to approach these requests. However, to ensure the coordination of events at METEOR in terms of time and content, we offer alternative times if necessary.

Please refer to the following overview for guidance, noting that these times are subject to change, based on the conference-planning schedule.

UNOC 2025 | Schedule on the METEOR

Monday, 09.06.2025 – Thursday, 12.06.2025

Morning-Session: 10:00 - 12:00 a.m.

Noon-Session: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon-Session: 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Evening-Session: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.