Introduction

• The “African kick-off Conference for the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, organized by the Government of Egypt (through the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries) and UNESCO (through the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission and the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Sciences in the Arab States), will serve as a platform for the launch of the UN Decade (2021-2030) in Africa. Over 1000 practitioners, academics, researchers, students and stakeholders are expected to attend the three-day (on line) event which be held from 10 – 12 May 2022

• It will also bring energy to the Decade of African Seas and Oceans (2015-2025) by providing impetus for development of ocean sciences, technology and innovation necessary for the harnessing the Sustainable Blue Economy in Africa as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063 (“The Africa We want”) and the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIM Strategy).

• The conference will provide a forum to take stock of status of ocean science and technology in the region, deliberate on how ocean sciences in Africa should be supported or reorganized to deliver the required societal outcomes, and seek interest and commitment of the oceanographic community to deliver on a number of directions of research which are critical for ocean sustainable management.