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: BMUKN / BMFTR / Federal Foreign Office

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

Ocean Decade Committees (ODC) and IOC-UNESCO: Global meeting, Ocean Decade Committees

Organisation:  Ocean Decade Committees (ODC) Germany, New Zealand & Braszil 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.

Global Meeting, Ocean Decade Committees

Ocean Decade Comitees Germany (ODK), New Zealand and Brazil and IOC-UNESCO

Ocean Decade Comitees Germany (ODK), New Zealand and Brazil and IOC-UNESCO

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): Transparency for sustainable fisheries in West Africa

Organisation: Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF)

Format: Panel discussion

The event will showcase cost-effective, transparent measures to combat illegal fishing and a better support for coastal communities. The focus will be on the Global Charter for Transparency in Fisheries, a catalogue of measures endorsed by 50 organisations. As a direct example, measures being implemented in Liberia will be presented. The aim is to bring together international cooperation for a sustainable fisheries policy.

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: 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/MeerWissen: MeerWissen - bridging science-policy-society gaps in the West African marine ecosystems

Organisation: GEOMAR/MeerWissen

Format: Panel discussion

The event brings together high-level representatives and researchers to discuss the FUTURO project and sustainable coastal development in West Africa. The focus will be on transdisciplinary research, capacity building and peer-to-peer partnerships. It will discuss how FUTURO complements the UN Ocean Decade and SDG 14, and will be accompanied by a reception and panel discussion.  A "Letter of Intent" will promote future cooperation with West African partners.

BUND: Marine sediments as a CO₂ sink – do we need new protected areas?

Organisation: German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND)

Format: panel discussion

How do marine sediments store CO₂ - and how are human activities threatening this process? This interactive side event will highlight the role of the ocean floor as a natural CO₂ sink and its potential for protection. Researchers, politicians and society will develop possible solutions to preserve these CO₂ reservoirs.

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15:30-17:30 h

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

Organisation: GIZ & BMZ

Format: Podium discussion

The event shows ways to better connect science, policy and society in order to achieve SDG 14. A panel featuring experts from will explore how scientific insights and local knowledge drive implementation, scaling, and monitoring of interventions in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for a sustainable ocean economy. Cross-border collaboration reinforces resilient food systems, supporting urgent action to conserve oceans and demonstrate how sustainable practices contribute to global food security challenges.

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

Organisation: Senckenberg Society for Nature Research

Format: Informational event

This side event focuses on building international alliances to combat the loss of marine biodiversity through collaboration between science, policy and society. Featuring initiatives such as the Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance (SOSA) and AleutBio, the event will explore solutions to protect marine life in vital ecosystems such as the Bering Sea. Discussions will highlight the role of research, the IUCN Red List and global projects to address threats such as climate change and deep-sea mining.

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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: Collaborative actions and opportunities for partnership in developing capacities - from strategy to implementation of capacity development initiatives

Organisation: 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 UNOC 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

World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF): Germany Coastal Climate Heroes

Organisation: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

Format: Informational event

The focus is on the protection, restoration and sustainable use of marine coastal ecosystems in the context of climate change. The event presents practical German cooperation projects and promotes science-to-policy approaches. Stakeholders from science, politics, civil society and coastal communities will discuss solutions for SDG 13 & 14. An interactive format invites exchange, cooperation and a joint "Call to Action".

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, BMUKN & 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.

BMUKN: Paving the way for Geneva - landing zones for the plastic treaty

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

Format: Workshop

The event will bring together key actors in the INC negotiations on the Plastics Convention in an informal setting. The aim is to openly discuss contentious issues such as production limits, product regulations and financing mechanisms. The aim is to find a compromise through a focused dialogue between ambitious states, bridge-building actors and critical actors. The event is an important contribution to global action against marine plastics.

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: 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 Institut (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.