UNESCO's new platform in support of ocean science

Building on the long-standing experience of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in advancing capacity development in ocean science, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021-2030 (‘Ocean Decade’) is launching Ocean Connector, a new platform that connects those who need capacity development support in ocean science with those who can provide it.

https://oceanconnector.oceandecade.org/

Developed by the IOC and funded by the Government of Flanders in the framework of the Ocean Decade, Ocean Connector is part of the Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility. This online tool will empower stakeholders with the skills, knowledge, tools, and resources needed to contribute to actionable ocean solutions. It focuses on supporting underrepresented groups and regions, including Early Career Ocean Professionals, as well as individuals and institutions in Small Island Developing States and Least Developed Countries. The platform serves two main groups:

• Users, who can submit requests for capacity development support, and

• Partners, who provide the expertise, tools, and resources to deliver it and who can share training programmes, mentoring initiatives, and other activities that help expand their reach across the global ocean community.