COP29 side event: Striving for ambitious ocean-based action – how UN-Oceans can support States in scaling up ocean-related actions, including in the context of the next round of NDCs

With the next round of NDCs shaping global climate action for the coming years, the focus on robust ocean-based action grows clearer. This side event examines how UN-Oceans can support States in scaling up ocean action, including in the context of the next round of NDCs due in 2025.

The first global stocktake highlighted that efforts to limit global average temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius are insufficient, and underscored the urgent need for comprehensive economy-wide transformations to reduce emissions, build climate resilience, and mobilize resources for mitigation and adaptation sustainably and equitably.

The ocean, as the largest carbon sink, plays a pivotal role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and stabilizing the Earth’s climate. As we approach the next round of nationally determined contributions (NDCs) due in early 2025, which will shape global action for the following 5 years, the imperative for enhanced climate action, including ocean-based and ocean-focused strategies, is increasingly evident.

In this context, this side event aims to explore how UN-Oceans, an inter-agency mechanism for cooperation and coordination among UN entities and the International Seabed Authority with competence in oceans and coastal matters, through its members, can support States in raising ambition and scaling up ocean-related actions in the next round of NDCs. These include leveraging the mandates and expertises of UN-Oceans members, inclduing building on available ocean-related NDC guidelines (e.g. the NDC-Fish guidelines developed by FAO and partners).

Please note that it is necessary to be duly registered as part of a delegation to participate in side events – only registered conference participants can access the event and COP29 live-streaming.