UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development Programs

Peace Boat US is proud to be a recognized contributor to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development through our Youth for the SDGs programs and other ocean-related initiatives.

Youth for the SDGs Programs

Endorsed by IOC UNESCO, our programs create experiential learning opportunities for youth activists and community leaders from around the world who are advocating for the SDGs. These programs are conducted 2-4 times per year onboard Peace Boat.

Upcoming Programs

Past Programs

UN Division of Ocean Affairs and Law of the Sea (DOALOS) Collaboration

Since 2020, Peace Boat US has been collaborating with DOALOS to support the Friends of UN World Oceans Day Working Group coordination.

    What is the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development?

    The “Ocean Decade” is a unique 10-year, global cooperative program to expand scientific partnerships to support science, ocean management, and sustainable development implemented by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC UNESCO). The ocean science community – including civil society, governments, academic and private sectors – is working together to build new and stronger partnerships to achieve this ambitious goal.

    Water Quality Testing Initiative

    Through partnership with EarthEcho International, Youth for the SDGs participants are provided water testing kits which they use in ports of call to test PH levels, temperature, turbidity, and oxygen levels in water samples. The water testing kits create a valuable opportunity for young people to participate in citizen science through monitoring of ocean conditions and providing important data to the Oceanographic Data Exchange.

      Latest Ocean Decade Activity Updates

      Peace Boat is Sailing to Chile in February 2025

      Peace Boat is Sailing to Chile in February 2025

      (Haga clic aquí para obtener información en Español) Peace Boat is an international NGO that works to promote a culture of peace and sustainability around the world by connecting people across borders and creating opportunities for learning, activism, advocacy and...

      Youth for the SDGs 2024 Pacific Voyage

      Youth for the SDGs 2024 Pacific Voyage

      Peace Boat US recently completed our latest Youth for the SDGs Program, June 25 - July 20, 2024, as part of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The program took place onboard Peace Boat’s 117th Global Voyage, sailing up the Pacific coast of...

      Voices from Participants

      The ocean is not a luxury that we can afford to lose. It is a necessity and a source of life for my people

      Siana Whatarau

      Cook Islands

      The program connected us to ocean & SDG focused NGOs, and through those partnerships, we engaged in handson learning in every port

      Amy Harff

      USA

      This is now the time for action and change. With the changing times and rising tides, we must come together as a people to make a difference. We only have so much time left

      Winton Teokotai Mata Turua Herman

      Cook Islands

      Being a part of this program equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to make a positive impact in my community and the world

      María Fernanda Carmona

      Panamá

      This program really showcased the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to ocean conservation – now it is time to take action

      Zuzanna Witek

      Poland

      I will cherish forever the friendships I have made during this trip. It has been a unique opportunity to connect, create relationships and network with people all around the world

      Patricia De La Rosa

      Panamá

      We, the youth, have the power to change the course of climate change. With the knowledge we have today, learning from each other and growing together, we symbolize hope for generations to come

      Antoni Soalablai

      Palau

      I have truly enjoyed the chance to learn from all of the other youth participants. Their work has given me tremendous insight on how I could effect change in my home community

      Monique Calderón

      Saint Lucia

      I really enjoyed not only learning about environmental issues in the Arctic, but also inspiring passengers onboard.  It was a great opportunity to present in front of passengers and tell them that every small action matters

      Yuki Kobayashi

      Japan

      This has been a truly unique and inspiring opportunity to meet with passionate individuals from all walks of life working to preserve our oceans and the life within it

      Mitchell Chin

      New Zealand