An Ocean of Potential

During the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, on 11 June 2025, a vibrant conversation between Mr. Mitsuyuki Unno (Executive Director, Nippon Foundation) and Fellows from Nippon Foundation Ocean Voices (OV) and Ocean Nexus (ON) Fellowship Programmes. The conversation inspired reflection on three powerful messages around the changes we strive to see in the ocean: 1) pursue potential; 2) think critically about the science-policy interface; and 3) boost hope through interdisciplinary collaboration. This piece summarises the provocative and insightful debate that was sparked, exploring existing models to better address well-known challenges concerning the ocean.

1. Pursue Possibility and Potential

Mr. Unno urged a shift from solely solving challenges to actively building a desired future, emphasizing the "light and shadow" of innovation. His advice for achieving positive outcomes was clear: cultivate hope, talk to people, and harness the multiplier effect of networks. He also encouraged Fellows to think beyond existing alternatives and create innovative other mechanisms to create change in a more rapid way. This resonated with Fellows, who recognized OV and Nexus as crucial platforms for skill development and action.

As Fellow Vatosoa Rakotondrazafy shared, her experience with Nippon Foundation programs — including Nexus, focused on equity research, and OV, on translating research to policy — was instrumental in her recent achievement of launching a new network. Sheena Talma noted, "Our OV community is cherished because we built it together, and it offers us support, time, and networks." Mariana Caldeira added, "The OV fellowship has provided me with research skills and opportunities to connect."

2. Chasing a Ghost? Critical Thinking About Science-Policy Interfaces

Mr. Unno provocatively questioned the simplistic narratives around the science-policy interface, asking if researchers sometimes felt like they were trying to talk to ‘a ghost’. This spurred a rich discussion on whose voices and knowledge are valued in decision-making, the role of trust in research-policy interfaces, and the contributions of groups like the private sector and local community organizations.

Fellows shared compelling examples. Kathryn Audroing highlighted how her community developed a climate adaptation strategy for sea turtle nesting sites in the absence of policy, combining local knowledge with scientific data. This work, the focus of her OV Fellowship, led to her being invited as an expert on her national delegation for the plastics treaty negotiations.

Alumita Sekinairai emphasized the importance of diverse knowledge systems, noting her fellowship research explored the role of traditional knowledge in marine management in Fiji. Her fellowship work developed guidelines for integrating traditional knowledge and science under the UN Ocean Decade, actively involving government and local communities. She is now advocating for a meaningful representation of Indigenous people and local community in BBNJ discussions.

3. Interdisciplinary Collaboration is Crucial

Diversity and equity are together crucial for solving ocean challenges, noted Mr. Unno, highlighting the core values of Nexus and Ocean Voices. Nexus leads in equity research, while Ocean Voices drives inclusive ocean governance. Mr. Unno elaborated on his vision for deeper integration across programs, advocating for collective efforts through interdisciplinary, international collaboration to amplify the multiplier effect of strong networks. Fellow Vanessa Lopes echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of enabling connections between Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to meet capacity needs.

In closing, Mr. Unno delivered a powerful message directly to the fellows: "You are the driving force of innovation." This sentiment captured the immense potential within these excellent and passionate individuals and their collaborative networks, who remain committed to welcoming new voices in shaping the future of our ocean. 

4. A conversation to be continued

This exchange of ideas inspires Fellows to revisit and critically reflect on their trajectories and pathways, while serving as a reminder that there are many possible ocean solutions still to be explored. Such recognition of the Fellows' efforts to shift current scenarios underscores the importance of trust, inclusive spaces, and the networking opportunities made possible by Nippon Foundation Alumni networks. As noted by Mariana Caldeira (OV Fellow and PhD Candidate):

“This marks the beginning of an ongoing and timely dialogue—one that continuously questions the most effective approaches to ocean governance while sparking creative and longlasting outcomes. Mr. Unno’s continued encouragement gives us the confidence and motivation to keep striving for a more sustainable and equitable future for the ocean we envision.” 

Fellows look forward to continuing these crucial conversations, discussing such thought-provoking questions, and welcoming more voices into the discussion. To begin, perhaps, this piece could be the basis for a blog post or a reflection piece in the OV and other websites and published on social media as a potential to engage beyond the Fellowship community. Furthermore, it would be great to continue the discussion at future meetings. 

This reflection is based on a meeting between Mr. Unno and Nippon Foundation Ocean Voices and Ocean Nexus Fellows on June 11, 2025, in Nice, on the margins of the United Nations Ocean Conference. It was written by Ms Mariana Caldeira (OV Fellow and PhD Candidate), Dr Harriet Harden-Davies (OV Programme Director), Dr Maila Guilhon (OV Fellow Alumni), and Ms Vanessa Lopes (OV Fellow and PhD Candidate).