COP28: Collaboration and Convening in Dubai

Despite its critical role as the planet’s largest carbon sink, the ocean remains the least invested-in of the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals. This gap makes OceanX’s mission to explore the ocean and bring it back to the world more urgent than ever. At COP28, held November 30–December 12, 2023, in Dubai, OceanX elevated the ocean within the global climate conversation by grounding decisions in science, accelerating collaboration, and building partnerships that move from dialogue to action.

Through collaborative partner events, a Blue Zone Pavilion, and key speaking engagements, OceanX advanced discussions around ocean science, catalyzed initiatives that strengthen marine research, and contributed data and insights that inform effective ocean management policies and educational initiatives. Across programming, convenings, and formal partnerships, OceanX connected research, technology, and innovation to real-world climate solutions.

Partnerships to accelerate ocean innovation

OceanX strengthened partnerships that support ocean innovators and entrepreneurs as a central outcome of its presence at COP28. On December 4, 2023, OceanX joined the World Economic Forum and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation aboard the OceanXplorer to celebrate two complementary collaborations advancing ocean innovation.

Through OceanX’s partnership with the World Economic Forum’s 1000 Ocean Startups (1000OS), selected start-ups gain access to OceanXplorer’s research and exploration infrastructure and test and validate technologies during missions at sea. In parallel, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s Ocean Innovators Platform identifies and supports high-impact solutions focused on conservation, monitoring, and sustainable ocean economies.

Featured innovators highlighted during COP28 included Archireef, NatureMetrics, and Distant Imagery, alongside Project Orpheus, a deep-sea technology developed by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Together, these partnerships bridge the gap between innovation, financing, and deployment.

A Blue Zone pavilion for ocean science and dialogue

In partnership with the UN Ocean Decade, OceanX co-hosted a Blue Zone Pavilion at COP28 that convened scientists, policymakers, NGOs, philanthropic partners, business leaders, youth delegates, and the global press.

Programming included curated roundtables aligned with the Ocean Decade Challenges, discussions on the role of data in ocean governance, and visual media drawn directly from OceanX expeditions. The pavilion linked ocean exploration and scientific evidence directly to climate decision-making.

Ocean Decade Challenges and technology in action

Across the pavilion and onboard the OceanXplorer, OceanX aligned its programming with the Ocean Decade Challenges, which define priority outcomes needed for a healthy ocean by 2030. These challenges include reducing marine pollution, protecting and restoring ecosystems, supporting sustainable food systems, developing a sustainable and equitable ocean economy, and unlocking ocean-based solutions to climate change.

OceanX supports progress against each of these challenges through credible scientific research and actionable insights generated by its ocean expeditions.

Convening leaders and shaping the conversation

COP28 created a forum for leadership-level dialogue on ocean science, technology, and storytelling. Between December 3–6, 2023, OceanX founder and co-CEO Mark Dalio and chief science officer and co-CEO Vincent Pieribone participated in panels and events alongside scientists, filmmakers, technologists, and philanthropists.

These discussions examined how research, innovation, and media work together to build public understanding and long-term support for ocean protection, reinforcing the importance of pairing rigorous science with effective communication.

Moving forward together

OceanX’s participation in COP28 coincided with an active research mission in the United Arab Emirates and culminated in the signing of new memoranda of understanding with partners including Konservasi Indonesia and 1000 Ocean Startups. These agreements, finalized during the conference period in early December 2023, establish the foundation for future missions across the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

Together, these efforts reflect a consistent approach: Progress for the ocean depends on collaboration across science, innovation, policy, and education. COP28 demonstrated what becomes possible when these efforts align around a shared commitment to help the ocean and humanity thrive.