On 15 February 2023, the Ocean Decade International Cooperation Center was officially launched in Qingdao, with the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China, aiming to create a platform for high-quality marine science cooperation in East Asia. One of the key roles of this center is to promote international exchange and cooperation among young ocean scientists.
In line with these goals, the 2023 East Asia Marine Cooperation Platform Qingdao Forum, held on 27 June 2023, featured a Sub-forum on International Cooperation of Young Ocean Scientists. The theme of the Forum was “Harmonious Coexistence in the Ocean Decade,” with a specific emphasis on providing a platform for scientists engaged in Ocean Decade actions to share their experiences and fostering collaboration, particularly among early-career researchers. The lineup of speakers consists of four esteemed senior scientists and three highly talented young scientists and they form a collective force of knowledge and passion.
Coastal-SOS was honored to participate in this forum, with Dr. Guizhi Wang and Ms. Khanittha Uthaipan from Coastal-SOS serving as panel speakers in the Sub-forum. Dr. Guizhi Wang highlighted the UN Ocean Decade-endorsed project, Coastal-SOS, focusing on its background, implementation plan, and recent progress in addressing coastal challenges through scientific solutions. Ms. Khanittha Uthaipan showcased her passion and talent in the COASTAL-SOS initiative, emphasizing the collaborative efforts between China and Thailand in sustainable coastal development. Her presentation highlighted the significance of international partnerships and the importance of promoting sustainable practices for coastal regions. The panel discussion held during the forum aimed to advance the future of the Ocean Decade by exploring strategies to promote international collaboration among scientists from various countries. Moreover, the session addressed the challenges faced by young scientists and provided a platform for exchanging ideas on overcoming these obstacles.
The Forum had fruitful outcomes, fostering knowledge exchange and potential collaborations. COASTAL-SOS looks forward to future collaborative endeavors with the Ocean Decade International Cooperation Center, aiming to make significant contributions to the advancement of ocean science and conservation.
Prof. Guizhi Wang giving a speech on Coastal-SOS: Coastal sciences for solutions
Ms. Khanittha Uthaipan giving a speech on China-Thailand Cooperation on Sustainable Coastal Development
Vision for UN Ocean Decade: Panel discussion
Launching Ceremony of liaison mechanism for young ocean scientists of the UN Ocean Decade
