Individual Session or Side Event? Explore the formats and priorities and find the right application form for your proposal.
Ocean Decade Week · Rio de Janeiro · 5–9 April 2027 Both calls: apply by 22 November 2026, 23:59 UTC · Applications in English
Step 1 · Choose your call
Step 1 · Choose your call
Compare the two opportunities and check who can apply below.
BEFORE THE MAIN CONFERENCE
An Individual Session within a Special Event
Contribute practical solutions and perspectives to an existing thematic or regional programme, coordinated by Lead Partners.
5–6 April 2027 Venues across Rio, outside the main Conference venue.
A session within a full-day programme. Session duration is agreed with the Lead Partners.
DURING THE MAIN CONFERENCE
A Conference Side Event
Convene a focused, high-level event to advance a strategic initiative, partnership, commitment or concrete solution with global relevance and demonstrated impact.
7–9 April 2027 · Lunchtime Pier Mauá · Main Conference venue.
60–90 minutes. A limited number will be selected.
Both calls welcome organizations and multi-stakeholder partnerships across government, science, civil society, philanthropy and business. Joint proposals are encouraged. Your topic may fit either call; the intended contribution and setting help distinguish them.
Who can submit a proposal?
The same stakeholder categories are invited to both calls. Your organization type does not determine which call to choose.
Organizations and partnerships
Governments
UN entities and intergovernmental organizations
Ocean Decade Actions
Research and academic institutions
NGOs and civil society organizations
Foundations and philanthropic organizations
Regional organizations
Private sector entities
Multi-stakeholder partnerships
Joint proposals across sectors, disciplines and regions are encouraged.
Meaningful participation matters
Particular consideration is given to participation from:
Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
Least Developed Countries (LDCs)
Indigenous peoples
Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs)
Youth
Under-represented regions
Brazilian institutions and partners
These are participation priorities, not an exclusive eligibility list. Explain how relevant groups contribute to design, leadership and outcomes.
Step 1 · Help me choose
Step 2 · Side Event guide
Does it add clear strategic value? Show how your event will advance an initiative or partnership, announce commitments, showcase demonstrated solutions, mobilize cooperation or investment, or connect Conference outcomes with international processes. Strategic dialogues should complement the main programme.
Check the setting
7–9 April · Lunchtime · Pier Mauá 60–90 minutes · Maximum 90 minutes
Expected theatre-style seating and a stage, suitable for dialogues, panels, launches and interactive exchanges. Room allocation, capacity and technical arrangements remain to be confirmed.
All organizers, speakers and attendees need confirmed Conference registration. No on-site registration will be available.
Strategic relevance and alignment with Solutions and Blueprints.
Action-oriented design, partnerships and commitments.
Innovation, inclusivity and regional/international collaboration.
Relevance to Decade Actions and participation in the preparatory process.
Meaningful participation from SIDS, LDCs, Indigenous peoples, ECOPs, youth, under-represented regions and Brazilian partners receives particular consideration.
Step 2 · Special Event explorer
Explore Annex 1 from the Guidance Note of the Call for Individual Sessions to discover Special Events and Lead Partners, compare programmes and choose the strongest fit for your session.
Ocean Decade Week 2027 · Application Guide
Find your Special Event
Where could your session help move ocean knowledge into action? Explore the Special Events and their priorities to find potential fits for your proposal.
5–6 April 2027 · Venues across Rio de Janeiro · Apply by 22 November, 23:59 UTC
You are proposing one Individual Session within a partner-led, full-day Special Event. Strong proposals contribute to Conference objectives, fit the selected event’s priorities, and advance practical responses beyond identifying challenges.
What is your session about?
Choose one or more of the eight Ocean Decade Solution themes. Results include Special Events matching at least one selection.
Regions and perspectives
Choose any relevant perspectives. If you also select topics, results must match both groups. These filters describe Special Event priorities, not eligibility.
Step 3 · Review and apply
Your session should contribute to Conference objectives, fit this Special Event’s priorities, and move beyond identifying challenges to advance practical responses.
