The UNESCO Chair of NKUA on Climate Diplomacy at the 9th Our Ocean Conference

The UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens participated at the 9th Our Ocean Conference, which was hosted in Athens at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center from 15 to 17 April 2024.

Our Ocean Conferences have been organized annually since 2014, as an initiative of the Special Envoy for Climate of the US Presidency, Senator John Kerry, with the aim of adopting commitments on issues related to ocean governance, with an emphasis in the environmental protection of seas and the proper use of marine resources.

The holder of the UNESCO Chair for Climate Diplomacy, Professor Emmanuella Doussis, participated in two panels: First, during the Youth Leadership Summit, in the panel “Multidisciplinary Knowledge for Ocean Sustainability: The Role of Universities”. Second, in the panel “Bridging the Gap: Strengthening Cooperation for Climate Resilience in the Mediterranean”.

In addition, the Chair was the lead organizer, with co-organizers the Department of Ports Management and Shipping (University of Athens) and ELIAMEP, of the panel “Navigating Waves: Essential Skills for Youth to Thrive in the Blue Economy”, in which two members of the Chair participated: Senior Research Fellow, Dr George Dikaios and Collaborator Rania Papadopoulou.

George Dikaios was also selected as a Young Ocean Leader and participated actively in the Youth Leadership Summit.

The proceedings of the 9^th Our Ocean Conference were attended by more than 3500 people, including members of the Chair and students conducting internship under its auspices.

The UNESCO Chair on Climate Diplomacy has a dual goal. First, research and education on climate policy and diplomacy. Second, bridging the gap between scientists and policymakers. In this context, and with the expertise that the members of the Chair have in matters of marine environmental protection and sustainable blue development, they participated in the 9^th Our Ocean Conference, offering their scientific knowledge.