UN Ocean Decade
The UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) is a United Nations coordination initiative led by IOC/UNESCO that convenes researchers, governments, businesses, NGOs, foundations, and citizens around 10 Challenges to generate transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development. Participation is free and open globally.
- Company typePublic
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersParis, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What UN Ocean Decade does
The UN Ocean Decade (formally, the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, 2021-2030) is a United Nations coordination initiative mandated by the UN General Assembly in 2017 and coordinated by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, headquartered in Paris. It functions as a free, open convening framework rather than a commercial entity, organizing global ocean science collaboration around 10 Ocean Decade Challenges and a Vision 2030 strategic ambition process. The initiative was officially launched in January 2021 and runs through December 2030.
It serves a broad stakeholder base including research institutes, national governments and intergovernmental organizations, business and industry, NGOs and civil society, philanthropic foundations, educators, youth, and citizen scientists. Engagement is mediated through the Ocean Decade Forum, Communities of Practice, Informal Working Groups, the Expert Roster, and the Decade Actions endorsement mechanism (Programmes, Projects, Contributions). The initiative operates a three-tier Global/Regional/National Ocean Decade Ecosystem and is supported by an Ocean Decade Alliance of 11 Patrons and 19 institutional members, with a 15-member Advisory Board providing strategic counsel.
The Ocean Decade is explicitly not a funding mechanism and charges no fees. It does not sell products or services and generates no commercial revenue; its resource model depends on in-kind and financial contributions from Alliance members and partner governments (e.g., Japan/MEXT funding the GenOcean campaign). Programmatic offerings include the GenOcean citizen engagement campaign, the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme, the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro (April 7-9, 2027), and outputs such as the 10 Vision 2030 White Papers published in June 2024.
UN Ocean Decade firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UN Ocean Decade
- Legal name
- United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)
- Website
- https://oceandecade.org
- Company type
- Public
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030) is a United Nations coordination initiative led by IOC/UNESCO that convenes researchers, governments, businesses, NGOs, foundations, and citizens around 10 Challenges to generate transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development. Participation is free and open globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UN Ocean Decade industry classification
Industry- Product category
- International Ocean Science Coordination
- NAICS
- Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (9241), Administration of Conservation Programs (92412), Administration of Environmental Quality Programs (924)
- SIC
- International Affairs (9721)
- akta.pro primary industry
- United Nations System & Specialized Agencies (BPADAAAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI)
Keywords
Where UN Ocean Decade is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Paris
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
UN Ocean Decade business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Not a funding mechanism: The Ocean Decade is explicitly not a funding mechanism. While it aims to support resource mobilization, endorsement as a Decade Action does not guarantee access to any funding. The approach is to encourage partners to align their existing funding and support strategies with identified Decade priorities.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
UN Ocean Decade product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The UN Ocean Decade is a United Nations convening framework (2021-2030) coordinated by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) that mobilizes global ocean science collaboration around 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. It endorses Decade Actions (Programmes, Projects and Contributions), coordinates Communities of Practice and Informal Working Groups, publishes the Vision 2030 White Papers series, and operates the GenOcean citizen engagement campaign and Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme. Participation is free and open to governments, research institutions, business and industry, NGOs, philanthropic foundations, educators, and citizen scientists globally.
Product overview
UN Ocean Decade operates as a United Nations coordinating framework rather than a commercial product company. Its primary offerings include the GenOcean citizen engagement campaign, the Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme, and the Decade Actions endorsement mechanism for ocean science initiatives. The organization also facilitates the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro and publishes Vision 2030 strategic documents. These offerings function as programmatic initiatives under the broader Ocean Decade umbrella rather than a unified software platform with modules.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- GenOcean: The official Ocean Decade citizen engagement campaign that invites people to join the next generation of ocean leaders in turning connection into real action to protect the blue planet.
Products and services
- GenOcean Citizen Engagement Campaign GenOcean is the official Ocean Decade citizen engagement campaign designed to involve the next generation of ocean leaders in community science opportunities addressing ocean challenges globally, including activities such as marine debris removal, coral reef restoration, and ocean education initiatives. It is for individual educators, students, young professionals, and citizen scientists.
- Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme The ECOP Programme is a dedicated Ocean Decade initiative empowering early-career ocean professionals through capacity development, networking, and engagement opportunities within the global Ocean Decade community.
- Decade Actions Endorsement Programme A programmatic endorsement mechanism through which ocean science initiatives are submitted via the Ocean Decade Forum and endorsed as Decade Programmes, Projects, or Contributions aligned with the 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. Endorsement provides visibility and facilitates connections to resource providers without guaranteeing funding.
- Vision 2030 White Papers A series of 10 strategic white papers, one per Ocean Decade Challenge, providing recommendations and defining the resources, infrastructure, partnerships, and technology solutions needed to achieve the Decade's outcomes by 2030.
- Ocean Decade Forum An online forum platform that enables stakeholders worldwide to submit Decade Activities, participate in Calls for Decade Actions, and engage with the Ocean Decade community.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10 Vision 2030 White Papers published (June 2024) providing strategic recommendations for each Challenge
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use UN Ocean Decade
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
UN Ocean Decade technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
UN Ocean Decade partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered not specified and core.
- Canada - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO)not specifiedFisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is listed as a partner of the Ocean Decade, contributing to the global effort to advance ocean science for sustainable development.
- Government of Flandersnot specifiedThe Government of Flanders is a partner supporting the Ocean Decade's mission to generate transformative ocean science solutions for sustainable development.
- Fugronot specifiedFugro is a partner contributing to the Ocean Decade initiative, providing expertise in ocean science and technology solutions.
- Germany - GIZ (German Agency for International Development)not specifiedGIZ, the German agency for international development, partners with the Ocean Decade to support ocean science capacity and development initiatives.
- HUB Oceannot specifiedHUB Ocean is a partner of the Ocean Decade, contributing to collaborative efforts for ocean science and sustainable development.
- Ireland - Fos Na Mara, Irish Marine Institutenot specifiedFos Na Mara, the Irish Marine Institute, partners with the Ocean Decade to advance ocean research and science coordination.
- Japan - Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)coreJapan MEXT is a key partner and supporter of the Ocean Decade, including as generous funder of the GenOcean citizen engagement campaign. Japan also hosts the 2027 Ocean Decade Conference planning.
- Republic of Korea - Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST)not specifiedKIOST partners with the Ocean Decade to contribute scientific expertise and research capabilities to advance ocean science priorities.
- Norwaynot specifiedNorway is a partner nation supporting the Ocean Decade's global coordination efforts for ocean science and sustainable development.
- Portugalnot specifiedPortugal partners with the Ocean Decade, contributing to the international effort for transformative ocean science solutions.
- REV Oceannot specifiedREV Ocean is a partner of the Ocean Decade, contributing to the initiative's goals for sustainable ocean development and science.
- Swedennot specifiedSweden is a partner nation supporting the Ocean Decade's mission and objectives for ocean science.
- UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)coreThe IOC of UNESCO is the coordinating body mandated by the UN General Assembly to coordinate preparations and implementation of the Ocean Decade. It houses the Decade Coordination Unit and provides the secretariat function for the initiative.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
UN Ocean Decade competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO: The parent coordinating body that houses the Ocean Decade Coordination Unit. Directly comparable as the UN-mandated convener of ocean science, with overlapping mandate, governance, and stakeholder base.
- World Ocean Council: International cross-sectoral business alliance on ocean sustainability and science. Comparable as a global convener linking industry, science, and policy on ocean stewardship, similar to the Ocean Decade Alliance.
- International Ocean Institute: Non-profit focused on ocean governance, capacity development, and policy training. Comparable as an international ocean-focused convening and education organization with overlapping stakeholder communities.
Broad incumbents
- FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department: UN body managing global fisheries policy and ocean food systems. Comparable as a UN convener coordinating science, governments, and industry on ocean-related sustainable development priorities.
- IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change): UN-mandated body producing authoritative scientific assessments that inform policy. Comparable in structure (UN-endorsed, multi-stakeholder, science-to-policy interface) and in convening scientists and governments at global scale.
- International Maritime Organization (IMO): UN specialized agency regulating international shipping and maritime issues including ocean health. Comparable as a UN-system body setting frameworks and convening governments on ocean-related policy.
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP): UN system organization coordinating global environmental policy across ocean, climate, and biodiversity. Comparable as a multilateral convener that mobilizes action on ocean sustainability, though with a broader environmental portfolio.
Emerging players
- Ocean Conservancy: Major ocean-focused NGO driving policy, advocacy, and citizen science (e.g., International Coastal Cleanup). Comparable as an NGO engaging citizens and partners on ocean conservation, overlapping with GenOcean's citizen engagement role.
- Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance: NGO building a global network of marine protected areas ('Hope Spots') and mobilizing ocean advocates. Comparable as a global movement-style initiative engaging citizens, scientists, and policymakers on ocean conservation.
- The Ocean Foundation: Community foundation mobilizing philanthropic capital for ocean conservation. Comparable as a convener that channels funding and partnerships toward ocean priorities, similar to the Ocean Decade Alliance's resource-mobilization function.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
UN Ocean Decade social profiles
Digital presenceUN Ocean Decade financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UN Ocean Decade leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
UN Ocean Decade funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UN Ocean Decade M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UN Ocean Decade
What does UN Ocean Decade do?
The UN Ocean Decade is a United Nations convening framework (2021-2030) coordinated by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) that mobilizes global ocean science collaboration around 10 Ocean Decade Challenges. It endorses Decade Actions (Programmes, Projects and Contributions), coordinates Communities of Practice and Informal Working Groups, publishes the Vision 2030 White Papers series, and operates the GenOcean citizen engagement campaign and Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) Programme. Participation is free and open to governments, research institutions, business and industry, NGOs, philanthropic foundations, educators, and citizen scientists globally.
Is UN Ocean Decade a public or private company?
UN Ocean Decade is a public company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was UN Ocean Decade founded?
UN Ocean Decade was founded in 2021. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is UN Ocean Decade based?
UN Ocean Decade is headquartered in Paris, France, in the Europe region.
How does UN Ocean Decade make money?
One revenue line is on record: not a funding mechanism.
Who are UN Ocean Decade's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, World Ocean Council and International Ocean Institute. Broad incumbents are FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Department, IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). Emerging players are Ocean Conservancy, Mission Blue / Sylvia Earle Alliance and The Ocean Foundation.
Does UN Ocean Decade have an API?
No public API is recorded for UN Ocean Decade.
What industry is UN Ocean Decade in?
UN Ocean Decade's product category is International Ocean Science Coordination. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPADAAAA, United Nations System & Specialized Agencies, with a secondary code of BPADALAI, Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management. Its NAICS code is 9241 and its SIC code is 9721.