Effective policymaking relies on timely, relevant, and accessible knowledge. To turn science into impact, it must not only address pressing challenges but also resonate with decision-makers across sectors and regions. Building on the priorities of the Barcelona Statement, the new Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 welcomes initiatives that address regional and thematic gaps in ocean science to support informed decision-making for sustainable development.

With the 2025 UN Ocean Conference on the horizon, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) continues to scale up scientific knowledge, innovative solutions, and partnerships to support policy development and ocean governance.

Through its Barcelona Statement, which synthesises the outcomes of the 2024 Ocean Decade Conference, the Ocean Decade has translated the most pressing ocean issues into actionable steps for the global ocean community. This roadmap is guiding efforts to boost co-designed solutions, address infrastructure needs, and strengthen the science-policy-society interface.

Building on this foundation, the current Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 aims to accelerate ocean action in the priority areas identified in the Barcelona Statement and bolster the science-policy interface. The Call will mobilize new initiatives, strengthen existing Decade Actions, and increase coordination across Decade Programmes, ensuring continued progress toward the Ocean Decade’s ambitious goals and its lasting legacy beyond 2030.

Also, as part of this Call, Programmes and Projects that enhance scientific cooperation in the Southern Ocean and Antarctic are welcomed. Where relevant, such initiatives should highlight links to the soon to be launched Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025 – 2034) and the International Polar Year (2032 – 2033).

How to take part in Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025

Interested parties should complete and submit the relevant online form on the Call for Decade Actions No. 09/2025 webpage. Please note that there are several different online forms and different deadlines depending on the type of Action you are submitting. 

During the preparation of submissions, we strongly encourage interested parties to consult and, where possible, collaborate with other institutions and partners working on common issues.

Applicants are also invited to attend one of the following Information Sessions where they will have an opportunity to ask questions on the Call:

• First session: 29 April 2025 at 09:30 – 10:30 (UTC) | Register here
• Second session: 30 April 2025 at 13:30 – 14:30 (UTC) | Register here

Find out more information and how to participate here.