Ocean Voices Fellow Alumni, Alumita Talei Sekinairai attended the Convention on Biological Diversity COP 16 in Cali, Colombia, in October 2025 Author: Alumita Sekinairai IOC/UNESCO Ocean Decade event at COP16. From left : Vidar Helgesen, Executive Secretary IOC,Alumita Sekinairai, Ocean Voices BBNJ IPLC Project Manager, Alison Clausen, Deputy Coordinator - Ocean Decade, IOC/UNESCO,Kimberly Mathisen, Chief Executive Officer, Hub Ocean, Gideon Henderson, Chief Scientist DEFRA, Decade Advisory Board Member. As the world gathers at CBD COP 16 in Cali, Colombia to advance the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the importance of inclusive, diverse perspectives in global ocean governance takes center stage. Among the voices leading this charge is Alumita Talei Sekinairai, an Ocean Voices BBNJ IPLC Project Manager and advocate for equitable and sustainable ocean policies.During her address, Alumita acknowledged the traditional leaders of both her homeland and the host nation, recognizing the foundational strength and vision they bring to global discussions. Representing the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, she highlighted how the Ocean Voices Decade Programme is contributing to the GBF’s implementation. The Ocean Voices Decade Programme: A Catalyst for Inclusive Ocean Governance Launched at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference, the Ocean Voices Decade Action is an international platform that amplifies the voices of ocean-dependent communities, from traditional knowledge holders to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) representatives. By bridging these perspectives with global policy dialogues, Ocean Voices ensures that co-created research informs international agreements like the CBD, BBNJ Agreement, and UNFCCC.One of the program’s standout achievements is its commitment to gender equity, empowering women and girls to take an active role in shaping ocean policy. This is particularly crucial for communities in the Global South, where women often lead conservation efforts but remain underrepresented in policy discussions. Tangible Contributions to the Global Biodiversity Framework Through partnerships and innovative projects, the Ocean Voices Decade Programme exemplifies how local action can drive global change. Alumita shared success stories like:Inclusive Research Contributions: Facilitating research that integrates traditional knowledge, the perspectives of SIDS, and early-career researchers to inform marine biodiversity conservation beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ).Empowering SIDS Leadership: Co-designing initiatives like the Early Career Ocean Exchange Initiative and the SIDS Ocean Science-Policy Network, which enable SIDS to actively shape ocean governance and GBF implementation. Fostering Knowledge Exchange and Building Capacity Alumita highlighted that currently, Ocean Voices is advancing efforts to implement global commitments on capacity building and technology transfer. By creating mechanisms for the inclusion of multiple knowledge systems and cultural values, the program strengthens the alignment of ocean governance with the lived experiences of ocean-dependent communities. Looking Ahead: Amplifying Diverse Voices Alumita emphasised that the Ocean Voices Decade Programme remains committed to empowering its Fellows and partners. With a focus on critical upcoming processes like the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and ongoing work in BBNJ and CBD forums, Ocean Voices exemplifies how inclusive governance can shape a sustainable future for our oceans. Stay tuned to hear more from each of the Fellows by following Ocean Voices on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Join the conversation. Publication date 24 Feb, 2025
