From June 24-26, 2022, over one hundred youth delegates from around the world came together at the UN Ocean Conference Youth and Innovation Forum with a shared goal: to protect the ocean. The Forum was a unique opportunity for young people to contribute to the implementation of SDG 14, all in alignment with the 2022 UN Ocean Conference theme: 

Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions.

The goals of the Forum are to:

• Feature youth-led solutions that address 2020 SDG 14 targets
• Provide participants training, mentorship, investor connections, and networking
• Highlight the importance of a science-driven approach to businesses and policies
• Engage young leaders as key drivers for change
• Give youth the opportunity to contribute to the UN Ocean Conference political process
• Support youth participants in creating solutions to challenges around the Five Tipping Points for a Healthy and Productive Ocean

The Forum included an "Innovathon," where teams of five participants worked together to create and propose new ocean solutions. All in-person seminars, workshops, and panel discussions were live-streamed, so that people around the world who aren’t attending in person could still watch and participate. On Sunday, the closing plenary featured high-level speakers and VIPs.

Ultimately, youth will leave the Forum with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration they need to advance the fight to protect the ocean. This event will also bring critical media attention to the importance of the ocean when it comes to combating climate change.

Join the conversation on social media by using the official hashtags: #SaveOurOcean #SDG14 #OceanAction #GenerationRestoration!

Forum Location

The Forum took place at the Nova School of Business & Economics in Cascais, Portugal from June 24-26, 2022. For further questions, please visit the FAQ page linked below.