The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) will join leading organisations from across the international ocean community at the Ocean Pavilion, bringing marine science and climate expertise to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, from 9-20 November 2026.
As a focal point for ocean engagement at the UN Conference of the Parties (COP), the Ocean Pavilion will serve as the voice of the community, bringing together scientists and decision-makers to turn ocean knowledge into climate action, helping shape the policies and investments needed to protect our planet.
This year's theme, "Convergence", reflects a series of major global negotiations and high-level events focused on climate, biodiversity and ocean governance, taking place as the world prepares for the impacts of our changing climate.
Through the Antalya Ocean Declaration, Pavilion partners are calling for stronger international collaboration to ensure science informs policy, policy mobilises finance and finance accelerates action towards a healthy ocean, stable climate and resilient future.
Professor Chris Hewitt, Climate Mission Lead, along with other NOC colleagues, will contribute to discussions highlighting NOC's expertise in ocean science to support climate action.
We live on a predominantly blue planet, and the ocean is one of our greatest allies in addressing climate change, yet its importance is still too often overlooked. To build a sustainable future, we must place the ocean at the heart of climate action and invest in the science, observations and innovation that help us understand and protect it. COP31, and the Ocean Pavilion, offers a vital opportunity to turn knowledge into action and ambition into lasting impact. As one of the world’s top oceanographic institutions, NOC is proud to champion the vital role of ocean science at COP31 and help ensure that ocean science plays its rightful role in shaping global climate policy and action for generations to come.
The Ocean Pavilion's programme will feature more than 65 panel talks, keynote addresses, roundtables, and multimedia art presentations in its official programming. Additionally this year, the pavilion will offer more informal opportunities to meet scientists and hear them describe their research.
Led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, participating partners include Bloomberg Philanthropies, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Ankara University National Center for the Sea and Maritime Law (DEHUKAM), Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner, Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, AGU, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel, IFREMER – French Institute for Ocean Science and Technology, Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), National Oceanography Centre, UK, Lloyd’s Register Foundation, Global ONCE, Oceano Azul Foundation, Convex Seascape Survey, Delta Environmental and Educational Foundation, FAPESP, Ocean & Climate Platform, Marine Hazards Mitigation Center, INCOIS, and The Ocean Race.
More information can be found on the Ocean Pavilion website, where visitors can also sign up for updates on programming and events.
Be part of the community helping our ocean thrive.
