The UN Ocean Decade International Conference on Ocean Literacy, Qingdao 2026 was held in Laoshan District, Qingdao, from September 3 to 4. Under the theme “Caring for the Blue, Safeguarding the Future,” the conference was guided by the Department of International Cooperation of China’s Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association. As China’s first international event under the framework of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (UN Ocean Decade) dedicated specifically to fostering ocean literacy among primary and secondary school students, the conference brought together representatives from the education and research communities, as well as teachers and students, from more than 20 countries across six continents. Participants explored pathways for advancing ocean education, focusing on curriculum development, teacher training and the creation of immersive learning environments.
The conference featured keynote presentations, case studies, field-based learning activities and parallel thematic sessions. International experts shared insights into global trends in the development of the Blue Schools Network, while representatives from different countries presented localized practices and experiences in ocean education. Qingdao and other leading schools across China showcased achievements including coordinated teaching and research at multiple levels and the development of school-based curricula. Participants also visited educational field-study sites across Laoshan, gaining first-hand experience of Qingdao’s integrated ocean education ecosystem, which connects different stages of education and promotes collaboration among schools, universities, research institutions and industry.
Several major initiatives and achievements were unveiled during the conference. The China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association officially established its Ocean Literacy Professional Committee, filling a gap in China’s specialized institutional framework for ocean awareness and education. China’s first alliance dedicated to ocean literacy among primary and secondary school students under the UN Ocean Decade framework was also launched. Eight representatives from six continents jointly issued the Laoshan Declaration, building international consensus and strengthening cooperation in ocean education. The declaration underscored the importance of cultivating ocean literacy among younger generations and promoting coordinated international efforts.
The conference also featured three parallel thematic sessions focusing on technology-enabled classroom innovation, alignment with international standards, and principals’ leadership in education. The discussions provided practical guidance for advancing ocean education across different fields.
Editor: Wang Yulin
