The Our Ocean Conference originated in 2014 as a United States-led effort aimed at raising global awareness regarding the significant challenges confronting the world’s oceans.

The recent Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit (OOYLS), held in conjunction with the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens on April 15, 2024, showcased a powerful commitment to engaging and empowering the next generation in addressing critical marine conservation issues.

Co-hosted by the Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) in partnership with the Greek government, the summit underscored the significance of involving youth in shaping the future of our oceans.

Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, Greek Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for the Oceans and Coordinator of the 9th Our Ocean Conference 2024, lauded the participation of over 100 youth ocean leaders from more than 40 countries.

She highlighted the convergence of academic expertise and youthful vision as a testament to the leadership qualities possessed by today’s youth.

Dr. Avgerinopoulou’s leadership was instrumental in emphasising the importance of youth participation and the need to instill in them a deep understanding of ocean conservation.

A pre-conference beach cleaning event brought together youth delegation leaders in a hands-on effort to contribute to ocean health.

The summit featured dynamic sessions designed to foster innovation and collaboration among young leaders. Guided by expert facilitators, participants crafted a powerful pledge rooted in the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

This pledge was later shared with global leaders during the conference’s opening plenary, ensuring the youth’s voices were heard at the highest levels.

Moreover, the summit facilitated on-the-spot mentoring sessions, allowing young participants to engage directly with industry leaders and receive personalised guidance on ocean-related issues. Distinguished experts in the blue economy provided invaluable insights, empowering youth to drive positive change in their communities.

A highlight of the summit was the “Navigating the Blue” fireside chat debate on ocean leadership, featuring renowned marine biologist and explorer, Dr. Sylvia Alice Earle, moderated by Daniel Cáceres Bartra, Regional Representative for Hispanoamérica at SOA, the discussion underscored the importance of youth leadership in ocean conservation efforts.

Furthermore, the summit welcomed a special guest, former Secretary of State John Kerry, who emphasised the pivotal role of youth in addressing global challenges.

Reflecting on the event, Nikos Therapos, OOYLS Planning Lead, echoed a powerful sentiment in his address: “Together let us continue to work towards a future where our oceans thrive guided by the passion and dedication of our youth leaders.”

In essence, the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit served as a catalyst for meaningful action, equipping young leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks necessary to drive positive change in ocean conservation.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to sustainability, the summit exemplified the transformative potential of youth engagement in safeguarding our oceans for future generations.