Participants shaped a set of ten draft white papers, which identify future priorities for the Ocean Decade to generate knowledge on science-based solutions to biodiversity conservation, climate change, food security, a sustainable ocean economy, pollution, and natural hazards.

Discussions focused on kickstarting the implementation of the new BBNJ treaty, especially by identifying marine protected areas. Many also underscored ocean-climate linkages and highlighted the importance of global cooperation on ocean science.

The United Nations Science-Policy-Business Forum on the Environment (UN-SPBF) convened a day-long Special Session at UNEA-6. Building on recent UN-SPBF regional and thematic processes and outcomes of expert groups, and with a focus on “solution-driven thought-leadership,” the day was organized around moderated, interactive debates and deep-dive segments introducing perspectives and contributions from multiple sectors and stakeholders.