As we look ahead to the coming months, the Leading Women for the Ocean (LWO) network is preparing to engage in a series of pivotal global events that will shape the future of ocean governance and the blue economy. These gatherings offer unique opportunities for women leaders to assert their influence, advocate for gender-inclusive policies, and ensure that their perspectives are integral to decision-making processes. Below, we outline the key events where LWO members can make a meaningful impact.
September 2024: UN General Assembly 79th Session (UNGA 79)
The 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 79) will be a critical moment for advancing global ocean governance, particularly through the High Seas Treaty. Women in ocean governance have a vital role in advocating for the swift ratification of this landmark Treaty, which is essential for protecting biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions. LWO members have a vital role in driving the #RaceForRatification and ensuring women’s voices are central to these global negotiations.
September 2024: New York Climate Week
Coinciding with UNGA 79, New York Climate Week will spotlight the link between climate action and ocean health. This event is an opportunity for women in the blue economy to advocate for integrated solutions and showcase female-led initiatives that link ocean action with broader climate goals, ensuring that women’s contributions are recognized and amplified.
October 2024: UN Biodiversity Conference (CBD COP 16)
CBD COP 16 in Cali, Colombia, will focus on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes key objectives related to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Women in ocean governance have a unique perspective on the creation and management of MPAs, particularly in achieving the 30×30 target, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s land and marine areas by 2030. LWO members can push for gender-inclusive approaches to biodiversity conservation, ensuring that women’s roles in protecting and restoring ecosystems are recognized and supported.
November 2024: UN Climate Conference (COP29)
The UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan will be a pivotal event for addressing the intersection of climate change and ocean governance. Women leaders in the blue economy have a critical role in shaping policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect marine ecosystems. By contributing their expertise and perspectives, women can drive forward climate policies that incorporate ocean health as a fundamental component.
January 2025: World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting
The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, in January 2025, will bring together global leaders to discuss pressing global challenges, including the sustainability of the blue economy. LWO members can emphasize the importance of gender equity in driving sustainable growth in the blue economy and ensure ocean conservation and gender equity are at the heart of these discussions, influencing strategies that shape the future of the blue economy.
March 2025: The Economist World Ocean Summit & Expo
March 2025 will be a significant month for LWO, as it coincides with both The Economist World Ocean Summit & Expo and the anticipated launch of the report on Women in the Blue Economy – Roles and Impacts. This report, a collaboration between LWO and NOVA School of Law, will provide a comprehensive analysis of gender inclusion in ocean governance and the blue economy. It will offer actionable insights and recommendations on what gender inclusion in these sectors requires and propose potential action plans at the policy and governance levels. The World Ocean Summit will serve as an ideal platform to launch this report, bringing together experts and leaders to discuss innovative solutions for ocean sustainability.
April 2025: Our Ocean Conference
The 10th Our Ocean Conference in Busan, Korea, April 2025 will be a pivotal event for securing commitments to ocean conservation. LWO members can use this platform to encourage commitments that support gender equity in ocean governance, ensuring that women’s voices are heard in the development and implementation of conservation strategies.
May 2025: World Maritime University (WMU) International Conference
The World Maritime University (WMU) will host an international conference from 19-21 May 2025 in Malmo, Sweden themed “Advancing the Blue Economy through Gender Equality”. The Conference aims to highlight the importance of gender equality as a driver of sustainable growth across maritime, ocean science, fisheries, and other blue economy sectors.
June 2025: UN Ocean Conference
The 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June 2025, will be a defining moment for global ocean governance. Women leaders have the opportunity to drive forward key outcomes, including new conservation targets, funding commitments, and collaborative initiatives aimed at preserving marine ecosystems.
As these significant events approach, the role of women in ocean governance and the blue economy has never been more critical. Each of these gatherings offers a unique opportunity for LWO members to advocate for gender-inclusive policies, influence key negotiations, and drive meaningful change. The launch of the report on Women in the Blue Economy – Roles and Impacts in March 2025 will be a particularly important milestone, providing valuable insights and strategies to guide future actions.
We encourage all LWO members to stay connected and participate actively in these key events. Together, we can empower women’s leadership in ocean governance and the blue economy, ensuring a healthy and sustainable ocean for future generations.
