Call for Applications: IOCAFRICA Travel Grants to attend the UN Ocean Conference and the One Science Congress 2025
Application Deadline: 31 March 2025
Call for Applications: IOCAFRICA Travel Grants to attend the UN Ocean Conference and the One Science Congress 2025
Background
Africa’s ocean and coastal ecosystems are central to the continent’s economic, social, and environmental well-being. With approximately 70% of African nations having a coastline along the ocean or major seas, the sustainable management of marine and coastal resources is crucial for the continent’s future. However, achieving these goals requires a skilled, well-networked, and empowered generation of ocean professionals who can lead scientific research, policy development, and innovative solutions for
sustainable ocean governance. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), through its Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA), is committed to enhancing the capacity of Africa’s emerging ocean leaders.
Recognising this need, IOCAFRICA-VII (Seventh Session of IOCAFRICA) emphasised the strategic role of Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOPs) in shaping the future of Africa’s Ocean science and governance. The session highlighted capacity development, mentorship, and international exposure as essential tools for preparing the next generation of African ocean experts. A key recommendation was to increase support for Early Career Ocean Professionals to participate in high-impact global ocean events where they can:
- Gain cutting-edge scientific knowledge and exposure to global best practices.
- Build strong professional networks with international experts, policymakers, and funding organisations.
- Bring African perspectives and expertise into global ocean science and policy dialogues.
To advance this goal, IOCAFRICA is launching a travel grant initiative to support African ECOPs in attending the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and the One Ocean Science (OOS) Congress in 2025. These two events provide a crucial platform for African ECOPs to showcase their work, engage with leading experts, and strengthen Africa’s voice in global ocean governance.
About UNOC3 and the One Ocean Science Congress
The Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3)will take place from June 9 to June 13, 2025, in Nice, France, co-hosted by the Governments of France and Costa Rica. This significant event is aimed at accelerating global initiatives towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), which focuses on Life Below Water. The conference will emphasize the importance of science-driven policies, securing financial commitments, and enhancing partnerships across various sectors. Key stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, intergovernmental organizations, financial institutions, civil society, academia, the private sector, and Indigenous communities, will come together to evaluate current progress, identify challenges, and explore opportunities for advancing ocean sustainability.
Preceding UNOC3), the One Ocean Science (OOS) Congress is scheduled to occur from June 3–6, 2025, serving as a foundational scientific event leading up to UNOC3. This congress aims to offer evidence-based insights on various critical topics, including ocean health, the impacts of climate change, effective conservation strategies, and the sustainable use of marine resources. The findings and research presented at the OOS Congress are expected to significantly inform the discussions at UNOC3, ensuring that
they are rooted in the latest scientific knowledge and innovations regarding ocean studies.
IOCAFRICA Travel Grants for African ECOPs
Recognising the importance of African ECOP representation in global ocean governance, IOCAFRICA will provide travel, accommodation, and subsistence support for selected African ECOPs to attend UNOC3 and the OOS Congress. This IOCAFRICA Travel Grants initiative directly contributes to the implementation of the Ocean Decade Africa Roadmap by:
- Enhancing the skills and professional development of African ECOPs through direct engagement in high-level ocean science and policy discussions.
- Strengthening international networks and collaborations, connecting ECOPs with global experts, institutions, and decision-makers.
- Ensuring that African perspectives and expertise are actively represented in shaping the future of ocean sustainability.
Eligibility Criteria
- Be based in Africa or affiliated with an African institution.
- Have a background in ocean science, marine policy, governance, or a related field.
- Have confirmed registration for OSS Congress and/or accreditation for the UNOC3Demonstrate proficiency in English and/or French (the working languages of UNOC3 and OOS Congress)
- Hold a valid passport and be eligible for Visa of France. Flights will only be booked after confirmation of the Visa.
- Be available to fully participate in the conference sessions and related activities.
- Commit to submitting a post-conference report and a recorded testimonial to the IOCAFRICA Secretariat within a specified timeframe after the event.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following documents as a merged pdf file:
- Updated CV.
- Copy of the most recent degree certificate.
- Motivation letter, detailing:
- The event(s) you plan to attend (OOS Congress and/or UNOC3).
- Your specific role at the event (e.g., presenter, panelist, participant).
- How participation will contribute to your professional growth as an ECOP.
- Proof of accreditation for UNOC3 and/or registration confirmation for the OOS Congress,
- A recommendation letter from a supervisor, mentor, or senior colleague in the ocean science and governance field. The letter should:
- Confirm the applicant’s active involvement in ocean science, research, or governance.
- Endorse their potential contribution to and benefit from attending UNOC3 and the OOS Congress.
- Highlight their alignment with the goals of the Ocean Decade.
All applications must be submitted with the subject “Application for UNOC3/OSS Congress Travel Grant” to oceans.nairobi@unesco.org.
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