The Managing Director of IOI attended COP29 to enhance and explore the synergies between Ocean and Climate Literacy
Press Release Event: Highlighting the Critical Role of Ocean and Climate Literacy at COP29; 12 November; 16.00hrs, Media Room 2
Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director of the International Ocean Institute (IOI), and Vinita Apte, Founder Director of TERRE Policy Centre, addressed global media representatives at COP29, to underscore the pivotal role of Ocean and Climate Literacy in achieving sustainable development and effective governance.
With the ocean covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface and playing a vital role in regulating the global climate, the speakers highlighted how Ocean and Climate Literacy can bridge the gap between knowledge, behavior, and action. This understanding is not only critical for individuals from all communities and all paths of life but also indispensable for policymakers tasked with addressing the growing impacts of climate change and declining ocean health.
The press event served as a reminder of the shared responsibility we all have in addressing the intersecting challenges of ocean and climate health. By promoting Ocean and Climate Literacy, the IOI and TERRE Policy Centre aim to inspire informed governance and community-driven solutions that benefit both people and the planet.
With COP29 providing a platform for these critical discussions, the call to action is clear: understanding the ocean’s influence on climate and on us — and our influence on ocean and climate — must be central to our collective efforts in shaping a sustainable future.
A Vital Link Between Ocean, Climate, Sustainability and Literacy
Side event “Ocean Literacy: Know Your Planet Beyond Land: Bridging Knowledge and Action Through Literacy” 13 November, TERRE GCC Pavillion, Baku
Ocean and Climate Literacy is defined as an understanding of the ocean and climate's influence on people’s lives and the influence of human actions on climate and ocean in turn. This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed, responsible decisions about ocean conservation and climate action.
Operating under this premise, the IOI and TERRE Policy Centre - partners of the IOI in the IOI Ocean Academy Literacy programme in India - hosted a side event titled “Ocean Literacy: Know Your Planet Beyond Land” at the TERRE GCC Pavilion in Baku on the 13th November, during COP29. The event emphasised the importance of Ocean and Climate Literacy in empowering society at all levels with the knowledge and determination to tackle the urgent environmental challenges of our time.
During the event, distinguished speakers brought unique insights into the exchange: Evgeniia Kostianaia, Global Coordinator of the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme and IOC-UNESCO Consultant, discussed the importance of engaging young professionals in ocean conservation efforts; Antonella Vassallo, Managing Director, IOI, underscored the essential role of Ocean and Climate Literacy in shaping responsible governance and sustainable decision-making and the importance of removing barriers to accessing this knowledge in all communities globally; Vinita Apte, Founder Director of TERRE Policy Centre, highlighted the link between community-driven efforts and policy frameworks.
In her opening remarks, Ms Vassallo highlighted that, "The science is clear: we cannot achieve climate resilience without prioritising the health of our ocean. Ocean and Climate Literacy is essential for cultivating an informed and proactive global community that advocates for sustainable governance of planetary resources."
A key focus of the event was the role of youth in shaping a sustainable future. Ms Kostianaia emphasised the value of involving young leaders in ocean governance and climate action. By equipping early-career professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address ocean challenges, such initiatives can support a resilient generation that is both informed and action-oriented.
Ms Apte highlighted that "building a rule-making culture based on shared benefits and common destiny is crucial to achieving Agenda 2030 and other international commitments." The side-event message underscored that Ocean and Climate Literacy, combined with political will, is essential to inspire decision-makers to prioritise long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
IOI Alumni Meet at COP29
Continuing on a now established tradition, the IOI organised an informal meetup with IOI alumni attending COP29, a sign of the enduring legacy of the Institute’s capacity-building programmes. Among those attending were Monique Pool (Suriname), Zeinab Farhat (Lebanon), and Evgeniia Kostianaia (IOI Focal Point for Moscow), each representing the diverse and impactful work of IOI graduates worldwide.
The meeting was another opportunity for the IOI to reconnect with these accomplished alumni and hear firsthand about their professional journeys and ongoing efforts to address critical challenges in ocean governance and climate resilience. Their reflections highlighted how the IOI training programmes had shaped their careers, providing them with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their regions.
This alumni meeting underscored the strength of the IOI’s global network and its role in empowering leaders dedicated to sustainable ocean governance. As COP29 focused on addressing climate change and ocean health, the presence of IOI alumni and their continued engagement with the COP29 thematics reaffirmed the Institute’s vital contribution to fostering a collaborative, informed, and action-driven community for the current and future of our planet, life, and livelihood.