Chairman of UNESCO’s IOC calls China an important leader in the “Ocean Decade”

China News Service, Qingdao, Shandong Province, September 4 (Zhang Xiaopeng) At the United Nations "Ocean Decade" 2026 Qingdao International Ocean Literacy Conference, which opened on the 4th, Yutaka Yutaka, Chairman of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO-IOC, referred to as "UNESCO-IOC") Michida said in a video speech that China has become an important leader in the "Decade of Marine Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030)" (referred to as the "Ocean Decade").

The "Ocean Decade" is an initiative announced by the United Nations General Assembly in 2017. It aims to promote the creation of marine science and knowledge, reverse the deterioration of marine system conditions, and create new opportunities for the sustainable development of marine ecosystems. Michida Toyo said that Chinese institutions have taken the lead in a number of "Ocean Decade" actions and generated a variety of feasible and scalable ocean solutions.

"An inspiring and attractive ocean" is one of the seven major social achievements of the "Ocean Decade". Toyo Michida said that achieving this result cannot only be achieved through scientific research or technological innovation, but also requires a fundamental change in people's understanding of the ocean and a change in the way of educating the next generation.

"Therefore, ocean literacy and the 'Blue School' approach have been promoted as one of the top priorities of the 'Ocean Decade'." Michida Toyo called on all parties to continue to increase investment in developing blue courses, strengthen teacher capacity building, and incorporate ocean knowledge into the education system at all levels.

This conference launched the "United Nations Ocean Decade Ocean Literacy Alliance for Primary and Secondary Schools". According to reports, the alliance is the first special alliance in China to rely on the "Ocean Decade" framework and focus on marine education in primary and secondary schools.

"The road to 2030 lies ahead, and the challenges are indeed huge. But with the spirit of collaboration, the power of responsibility, and the determination of everyone, I firmly believe that we will succeed." Michida Toyo said. (over)