The Youth4Ocean Forum is inviting young leaders to apply to become EU Young Ocean Advocates and help champion Blue Citizenship at the UN Ocean Conference 2025! Selected advocates will support collective efforts to bring the concept of Blue Citizenship—linking ocean literacy with active participation in democracy—to a global stage. Applications are open until November 30, 2024.

What is Blue Citizenship?

Blue Citizenship connects the idea of ocean literacy with civic responsibility, encouraging individuals and communities to participate in protecting the ocean just as they would in supporting democracy. This initiative emphasizes that everyone has a role in the health and sustainability of the ocean. By enhancing understanding of ocean policies and governance, Blue Citizenship empowers people to advocate for policies that ensure marine conservation and sustainable use. This active participation is essential to supporting long-term, resilient efforts by the EU and international partners for a sustainable and healthy ocean future.

About UNOC 2025

The UN Ocean Conference 2025, held in Nice from June 9–13, will drive global efforts to protect the ocean under the theme "Accelerating Action for a Sustainable Ocean." Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, it aims to strengthen partnerships and accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 14. With a focus on inclusive action, the event encourages all sectors to fully utilise existing policies and commitments to advance long-term ocean conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

About the Projects

For this call, we welcome projects that foster civic engagement and empower communities to understand the political and environmental frameworks governing the ocean. Projects should focus on reaching diverse audiences, including inland communities, different age groups, marginalised groups, and people with disabilities, while connecting generations. They may address how local, national, or global civic actions impact marine conservation, tackle ocean governance challenges, and inspire involvement in ocean-related decision-making. Ideally, project leaders should be able to showcase their projects before, during, or after the 2025 UN Ocean Conference, helping to spread awareness and encourage broad, inclusive participation in ocean stewardship.

Eligibility

• Being 16–30 years old;
• Being EU citizens or based in the EU;
• Working on a project (or project idea) with relevance for EU seas and waters.

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