Activities

2026.3.30

WPI-AIMEC and Nature Positive Core Joint Symposium on the UN Ocean Decade Actions: COSMEC and ANEMONE Global Successfully Held in Tokyo

WPI-AIMEC and the Nature Positive Sustainable Development Hub successfully hosted the UN Ocean Decade Actions Symposium: COSMEC and ANEMONE Global from 4-6 February 2026 at the Muromachi Mitsui Hall & Conference in Nihonbashi, Tokyo. The event was held under the theme “Fusion Science for a Changing Ocean: From Understanding to Global Actions.”

Organized within the framework of the UN Ocean Decade, the three-day programme brought together scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, relevant stakeholders, and the general public from various regions. The symposium was supported by UNESCO/IOC, IOC/WESTPAC, Tohoku University, and JAMSTEC, reflecting continued cooperation across international and research communities.

The first day featured the International Steering Group (ISG) Meeting of Collaborations for Northwest Pacific Marine Ecosystem Prediction (COSMEC). Representatives from participating countries discussed intergovernmental structures, reviewed draft science action plan, and coordination for the next phase of COSMEC activities.

On the second day, the joint symposium of COSMEC and ANEMONE Global included keynote lectures, scientific presentations, and plenary discussions. Sessions addressed science-based approaches to ocean sustainability, closer engagement between science and policy, and partnership-building to support concrete actions under the UN Ocean Decade initiatives.

The final day featured the ANEMONE Global session, where speakers shared the latest research updates, discussed progress in long-term ecosystem monitoring, and exchanged perspectives on scientific cooperation and capacity development in support of ANEMONE Global projects.

The symposium built strong momentum and strengthened the shared commitment to advance the science action plans of COSMEC and ANEMONE Global and grow these initiatives as a space where science, technology, policy, and society work together for a resilient and sustainable ocean. As a leading institution of COSMEC and ANEMONE Global, WPI-AIMEC will continue to lead these efforts and drive progress toward achieving its goals. Throughout the event, speakers including members of WPI-AIMEC shared their expertise and led insightful discussions. Over the three days, more than 300 participants joined in person and online, with representation from up to 18 countries in a single day. The programme welcomed participants from Asia, Oceania, Europe, Africa, and America. We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event.