The European Commission in association with the European External Action Service invited ocean stakeholders worldwide to the presentation of the final recommendations for ocean sustainability action by the Eu's International Ocean Governance (IOG) Forum.

The event took place in a virtual format from 14-17hrs (CEST) on April 20, 2021 and the recording can be watched here:

The European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius opened the event. Keynote speakers from the EU’s international partners shareed their vision for ocean sustainability. Dedicated panel sessions with ocean stakeholders and key Commission services discussed the IOG Forum recommendations and their uptake in EU policies. Kristin de Peyron, Director, Deputy Managing Director, European External Action Service brought in the EU foreign policy angle.

The event marked the conclusion of the open and inclusive consultation process on International Ocean Governance launched by the European Commission in association with the European External Action Service in 2020 with the establishment of the IOG forum. Further information on the consultation and the Forum can be found here.

The recommendations will support the development of the International Ocean Governance Agenda –the EU’s plan of action for the future of our oceans. The Agenda is an integral part of the European Green Deal and the EU's response to the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in particular, the Sustainable Development Goal 14 'to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources'.

A special thanks to all who participated!

Keep safe!

The Organising Committee