International Ocean Governance Forum

22 April 2020. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the European Commission has decided to change the format of the International Ocean Governance (IOG) Forum, originally scheduled for 22-24 April in Brussels.

Ocean governance cannot wait for viruses to stop from spreading. To do justice to the importance of the subject, the EC has moved the Forum to a digital format.

Therefore, the IOG-Forum Thematic Working Groups (TWGs) will be launched via online webinars between 22-24 April, according to the following schedule:

• TWG 1 – “Improving the international ocean governance framework”, will meet on April 22, 2020, 14:00-16:00 CEST.
• TWG 2 – “Reducing pressure on oceans and seas and creating the conditions for a sustainable ‘blue’ economy”, will meet on April 23, 2020, 14:00-16:00 CEST.
• TWG 3 – “Strengthening the ocean knowledge system”, will meet on April 24, 2020, 14:00-16:00 CEST.

UfM Deputy Secretary General, Isidro González Afonso, will take part in the Thematic Working Group 1  on international ocean governance. This working group will address gaps in the international ocean governance framework; ocean governance in a fast changing climate; the potential for coordination and cooperation to strengthen the ocean governance framework; and preconditions for effective ocean governance including individual and institutional capacities and stakeholder engagement.