The International Science Council (ISC) is committed to advancing ocean science and sustainability through global initiatives, partnerships, and policy efforts. By supporting interdisciplinary research and promoting science-based solutions, the ISC works to address critical ocean challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss, contributing to a healthier, more sustainable ocean for future generations.
Activities
UN Ocean Decade (2021-2030)
The United Nations Ocean Decade provides a platform for collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to ensure the health of the ocean. The ISC plays a central role in this initiative, focusing on interdisciplinary research and science-based solutions. As a partner in the Decade, the ISC is committed to advancing inclusive ocean science that directly addresses societal challenges.
UN Ocean Conferences
Building on its contributions to previous UN Ocean Conferences in 2017 and 2022, the ISC is preparing for an active role in UNOC 2025. By convening expert groups and facilitating science-policy dialogues, the ISC ensures that the latest scientific evidence informs the key discussions and agreements.
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Committee
The ISC recognizes the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and has established a dedicated SIDS Liaison Committee to integrate their scientific knowledge into global ocean discussions. This committee contributes expertise on issues such as sea-level rise and reliance on marine resources, ensuring that SIDS perspectives are adequately represented in international dialogues.
Plastic pollution, including in the marine environment
The ISC continues to actively support the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution. By engaging in negotiations and contributing scientific evidence, the ISC plays a crucial role in advocating for a robust, science-based treaty to address plastic pollution globally.
Sustainable Ocean Governance
The ISC promotes equitable access to marine data, technology, and knowledge to support sustainable ocean governance. Through its advocacy for open access to scientific data, the ISC helps ensure that the voices of SIDS, LDCs, and LLDCs are heard in policy decisions that address challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change.
Affiliated Bodies
The ISC co-sponsors science initiatives and programmes that strengthen global scientific efforts in ocean science and sustainability.
Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
The purpose of GOOS is to enable the state of the ocean to be described, its changing conditions to be forecast, and its effects on climate change to be predicted, and to facilitate sustainable development by ocean users and managers.
Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR)
SCOR is a thematic committee of the International Science Council. Its purpose is to further international scientific activity in all branches of oceanic research. It fosters collaboration among marine scientists worldwide, addresses key scientific questions, promotes capacity development, and enhances methods and experiments in oceanic research. SCOR works closely with national and international organizations, providing expertise on ocean science and policy issues.