Students from the Second Experimental Primary School of Laoshan district, Qingdao, perform an educational play at the UN Ocean Decade International Conference on Ocean Literacy in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sept 4. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Scholars and experts from around the world highlighted the important role of ocean literacy in educating younger generations amid intensifying climate change and growing pressure on marine ecosystems, at a high-level event on Sept 4 in Qingdao, Shandong province.

According to Yutaka Michida, chair of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, one of the seven societal outcomes of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030), known as the Ocean Decade, is an "inspiring and engaging ocean" where society understands, values and cares for the ocean in relation to human well-being and sustainable development.

"This outcome cannot be achieved solely through scientific research or technological innovation. It requires a fundamental shift in how we perceive the ocean, how we teach our children about it, and how we empower every citizen to become a steward of the blue planet for generations to come," Michida said in a video address at the opening ceremony of the UN Ocean Decade International Conference on Ocean Literacy in Laoshan district, Qingdao.

Guests from six continents come together to promote global ocean literacy at the UN Ocean Decade International Conference on Ocean Literacy in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sept 4. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"That is precisely why ocean literacy and the 'Blue School' approach have been elevated as top priorities of the IOC and the Ocean Decade," he emphasized.

"We strongly encourage all IOC member states to devote more to developing blue curricula, building teachers' capacities and integrating ocean knowledge into formal and informal education systems at all levels," he added.

The event brought together representatives from the education and scientific communities, as well as teachers and students, from more than 20 countries across six continents. They held in-depth discussions on key areas including curriculum development, teacher training and the creation of practical learning environments.

An exhibition showcasing achievements in ocean literacy is held alongside the UN Ocean Decade International Conference on Ocean Literacy in Laoshan district of Qingdao, Shandong province, on Sept 4. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The conference featured keynote speeches, case studies, thematic discussions and exhibitions covering major areas of ocean literacy.

During the conference, a professional committee dedicated to ocean literacy under the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association was officially inaugurated.

Qiao Fangli, a research fellow at the First Institute of Oceanography under the Ministry of Natural Resources who was elected chair of the committee, said it would bring together resources from multiple sectors and work to connect marine science, school education and social action.

An alliance on ocean literacy for primary and middle schools was also unveiled during the conference.