COP 28 and Ocean Voices: navigating climate conversations for ocean equity

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) COP 28 was held in Dubai, in the heart of the United Arab Emirates, between 30th November and 12th December, 2023. Amidst the Blue Zone, where nearly 100,000 individuals came together to address climate change, Ocean Voices was present to amplify the role of the ocean for a sustainable future. 

Ocean Voices Fellows, including Alumita Sekinairai, Sheena Talma, Gemma Nelson, and Programme Officer Gail Sant, were in attendance. Alumita was a part of the Government of Fiji’s technical delegation, covering local communities, indigenous people and the ocean. Sheena acted as a technical advisor for the Government of Seychelles. Gemma represented the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty with the Permanent Mission of Tuvalu to the UN, and Gail Sant shared Ocean Voices' mission as part of The University of Edinburgh's delegation. 

Throughout COP28, Ocean Voices hosted, led, and participated in various events: 

1. As a panellist at the COP28 Virtual Ocean Pavilion Opening Event, Integrating ocean and climate action. 
2. As a panellist at The Convergence's event, Climate Impact on Frontline Communities. 
3. As a co-host at the Ocean Decade x OceanX pavilion, where together with the Edinburgh Ocean Leaders, the group discussed and explored if the Ocean Decade Actions can provide pathways to ocean equity 
4. As a speaker at the Ocean Decade x OceanX pavilion, where Gail Sant led a spotlight talk on early-career ocean-climate leadership. 
5. At the Resilience Frontiers' pavilion, Ocean Voices organised and chaired an event where Fellows shared their ocean stories, highlighting the profound impact of their connection to the ocean on their lives and underscoring the vital values the ocean imparts. 

While a more detailed reflection on COP28 is underway, Ocean Voices emphasises the need to ensure meaningful representation and participation for the ocean and its frontline communities during UNFCCC’s COPs. The interconnected nature of the world was a central theme during Ocean Voices’ discussions at COP 28. The ocean cannot be divorced from climate, human health, equity, and other global systems. We hope that by being present at COP 28 we contributed to the recognition of the interconnected nature of the world and highlighted ways to incorporate the voice of the ocean and ocean-dependent people in climate change negotiations.