In a landmark moment for ocean governance, the Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) will officially launch at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, France, in June 2025. CEOL is a global alliance of youth and early-career professionals (ECOPs) working at the forefront of ocean innovation, science, policy, and civil society. United by a shared commitment to sustainability, justice, and inclusion, CEOL aims to embed young voices into decision-making spaces to drive equitable and effective ocean action.charge on ocean sustainability, climate resilience, and marine protection.
What is CEOL? A Global Network for Ocean Innovation and Equity
The Coalition of Emerging Ocean Leaders (CEOL) is a bold, youth-led initiative uniting early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs) working across science, policy, innovation, and civil society. These young leaders are driving change in ocean governance by promoting inclusive, intergenerational collaboration and multidisciplinary solutions.
Working across borders and sectors, CEOL members host capacity-building events, influence policy, and lead public engagement efforts to ensure that youth voices are heard—and empowered—in shaping the future of our ocean.
Why Youth Leadership in Ocean Sustainability Matters
As the ocean faces escalating threats—climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss—there is growing recognition that youth and ECOPs must be part of the solution. CEOL is stepping up to ensure that young people are not just observers, but co-creators of a sustainable ocean future.
Through intergenerational dialogue, CEOL bridges the gap between emerging and established leaders, creating space for the next generation of ocean stewards to participate meaningfully in decision-making.
CEOL’s Five Strategic Goals
To ensure lasting impact, CEOL is guided by five pillars:
- Intergenerational Dialogue
- Train youth in ocean diplomacy
- Co-host global side events and policy interventions
- Inclusive Governance
- Secure ECOP seats in high-level negotiations
- Track youth participation across major ocean events
- Network Capacity Building
- Facilitate workshops and skill-sharing sessions
- Strengthen connections across regional networks
- Collective Communication
- Boost visibility of youth-led ocean actions
- Coordinate digital outreach across platforms
- Policy Impact
- Establish regional working groups
- Advise on local and global marine policy initiatives
Where to Find CEOL at UNOC3
“Morning Tides: Your Daily UNOC Youth Briefings”
June 9–13 | 10:00–11:00
Green Zone, Beyond Borders: Ocean of the Future
Start each day at UNOC3 with Morning Tides—a dynamic briefing for youth and ECOPs. Hear updates from CEOL members, learn about key sessions, and connect with your peers across the global ocean movement.
“Launching CEOL: A Manifesto for Ocean Sustainability”
Monday, June 9 | 12:45–13:30
Green Zone, La Baleine, Orca Room
Join the official CEOL launch featuring:
- A keynote from the Dominican Republic
- A youth-led panel on CEOL’s mission
- The unveiling of the Citizen of the Ocean Youth Manifesto
- Interactive roadmap discussions for collective action
A Call to Join the Wave
With the support of multiple governments, NGOs, and youth networks, CEOL is more than a network—it’s a movement. This alliance represents a turning point for ocean governance: one where youth leadership is recognized, resourced, and respected.
Whether you’re a policymaker, scientist, activist, or student—CEOL invites you to collaborate, amplify, and lead the charge toward a just, healthy, and sustainable ocean.
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