In a significant development for ocean governance, the Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) will be officially launched during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), taking place in Nice, France in June 2025. CEOL is a global network of young and early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs) who are at the forefront of ocean science, policy, innovation, and civil society. Their shared commitment to sustainability, justice, and inclusion aims to elevate the voices of youth in decision-making forums, driving equitable and impactful action for our oceans focused on ocean sustainability, climate resilience, and marine protection.
What is CEOL? A Global Network for Ocean Innovation and Equity
The Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) is an ambitious, youth-driven initiative that brings together early-career ocean professionals from diverse fields such as science, policy, innovation, and civil engagement. These emerging leaders are steering progress in ocean governance by fostering inclusive, intergenerational collaboration and multidisciplinary solutions.
CEOL members operate across borders and sectors, organizing capacity-building workshops, influencing policy, and spearheading public engagement activities to ensure that the perspectives of youth are amplified and integrated into the future of our oceans.
The Importance of Youth Leadership in Ocean Sustainability
As our oceans confront increasing threats from climate change, pollution, and biodiversity decline, there is a rising awareness that the involvement of youth and ECOPs is crucial to driving solutions. CEOL is committed to enabling young people to be more than just spectators; they are integral co-creators of a sustainable ocean future.
By fostering intergenerational conversations, CEOL facilitates connections between emerging and established leaders, providing opportunities for the next generation of ocean caretakers to engage actively in decision-making processes.
CEOL’s Five Strategic Goals
CEOL’s enduring influence is guided by five foundational pillars:
- Intergenerational Dialogue
- Training youth in ocean diplomacy
- Co-hosting global events and policy discussions
- Inclusive Governance
- Ensuring ECOP representation in high-level negotiations
- Tracking youth engagement at major ocean events
- Network Capacity Building
- Facilitating workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions
- Enhancing connections within regional networks
- Collective Communication
- Increasing visibility for youth-led ocean initiatives
- Coordinating digital outreach across various platforms
- Policy Impact
- Establishing regional working groups
- Providing advice on local and international marine policies
Where to Find CEOL at UNOC3
📍 “Morning Tides: Your Daily UNOC Youth Briefings”
🗓️ June 9–13 | 10:00–11:00
📍 Green Zone, Beyond Borders: Ocean of the Future
Kick off each day at UNOC3 with Morning Tides, an engaging briefing designed for youth and ECOPs. Stay updated with insights from CEOL members, discover key session highlights, and network with peers in the global ocean movement.
📍 “Launching CEOL: A Manifesto for Ocean Sustainability”
🗓️ Monday, June 9 | 12:45–13:30
📍 Green Zone, La Baleine, Orca Room
Join us for the official launch of CEOL, which will include:
- A keynote speech from the Dominican Republic
- A youth-led panel discussing CEOL’s mission
- The unveiling of the Citizen of the Ocean Youth Manifesto
- Interactive discussions on a roadmap for collective action
A Call to Join the Wave
With the backing of numerous governments, NGOs, and youth networks, CEOL is not just a network—it’s a movement. This initiative signifies a pivotal moment in ocean governance, one where youth leadership is acknowledged, supported, and valued.
Whether you are a policymaker, scientist, activist, or student, CEOL welcomes you to collaborate, amplify, and lead the movement towards a just, healthy, and sustainable ocean.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
