© Kim Nierobisch
Ocean Youth Summit
All connected by the ocean - Ocean Youth Summit @ Ocean Race Europe
At the start of the Ocean Race Europe, ECOPs (Early Career Ocean Professionals), young marine experts from all stopover countries, will come together in Kiel for the five-day Ocean Youth Summit @ Ocean Race Europe. The participants bring young, feminist and critical perspectives on sailing, sustainability and marine conservation. Because: The Ocean Race Europe is not just a sailing competition, but also a unique platform for exchange and dialog about the future of our oceans.
From Aarhus to Kiel – passing on the baton
What began as a lively exchange at the Ocean Race Stopover 2023 in Aarhus has become a real affair of the heart in Kiel: Jonas Blendl and Kim Nierobisch, both ECOPs, are firmly rooted in the marine and sustainability scene. In 2023, Jonas and Kim took part in the Ocean Youth Summit as part of the Ocean Race Stop in the twin city of Aarhus with funding from the City of Kiel. The energy, diversity and dynamic on site made a lasting impression on the two of them. They took home with them how much potential there is in a committed ECOP community and how valuable it is when young, critical voices come together, strengthen each other and thus make different perspectives visible. Together with the young scientists and sailors Lilly Baumann and Charlotte Rahmsdorf, Kim and Jonas are now organizing the continuation with the Ocean Youth Summit @ Ocean Race Europe in Kiel.
A platform for different perspectives and a full program
The Ocean Youth Summit in Kiel offers a platform that makes different young, critical and feminist perspectives on sailing, water sports, sustainability and marine conservation visible. ECOPs from all Ocean Race Europe stopover countries and from Aarhus will come together to learn from each other, discuss and build and expand networks in various event formats and local encounters.
The diversity of the participants guarantees an open dialog in which different experiences, approaches and perspectives on sailing and water sports are valued. The summit offers space to question existing systems, evaluate and discuss sustainable approaches to marine conservation. The organizers want to promote diversity and equality and focus on empowerment through solidarity and networking.
The summit is organized by the German Committee of the UN Oceans Decade and ECOP DACH. The Lighthouse Foundation and För de Küste (THW Kiel) are supporting the Summit financially. The GEOMAR Helmholtz Center for Ocean Research Kiel is involved as the main partner. The Summit is accompanied by Team Malizia, Center for Ocean and Society, EnJust Network for Environmental Justice, Ocean Summit, BUND SH, CINEMARE Ocean Film Festival, Magenta Project and Segelcamp Kiel, among others.
Why ECOPs and what does ECOP DACH do?
ECOPs are the shapers of tomorrow: the consequences of today's decisions will affect and shape their lives and careers in the long term. Especially in the context of climate change and the dramatic state of the world's oceans, it is essential that their voices are not only heard but also included in decision-making processes. The strong and inclusive ECOP DACH network is committed to this in various sectors in Germany, Switzerland and Austria - including with events such as the Ocean Youth Summit in Kiel.
Kim Nierobisch
Ocean activist and member of the German Committee of the UN Oceans Decade. She has a background in interdisciplinary marine research and has been active in the ocean community for many years. For her, what is needed above all is more courage to critically rethink the current relationship between humans and the sea.
Charlotte Rahmsdorf
Marine environmental scientist, is passionate about protecting the oceans. For her, marine protection starts with every single person, because everyone can do something and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Jonas Blendl
Marine and climate protection activist to empower young people through education and networking to actively shape the climate movement: “We are the generation that will bear the consequences of climate change.”
Lilly Baumann
Sailing enthusiast and marine and coastal management student. Committed to environmental justice, holistic marine conservation and sustainable systemic change academically and in her free time.
The UN Ocean Decade and the German Ocean Decade Committee
The ECOPs are a key stakeholder group of the UN Ocean Decade (2021-30) and the Ocean Youth Summit Kiel is an official contribution to this global campaign proclaimed by the United Nations. The Decade aims to strengthen marine research worldwide, develop and implement sustainable solutions and raise awareness of the importance of healthy oceans through comprehensive education and targeted communication. The German Committee of the UN Oceans Decade (ODK), together with its members, ambassadors and network partners, supports and promotes the implementation of the UN Ocean Decade in Germany: with inter- and transdisciplinary knowledge exchange, international networking, the empowerment of ECOPs and the development of concrete measures in the spirit of the UN Ocean Decade. Formats such as the Summit bring the goals to life: Young ocean experts are given a platform to discuss their ideas and concerns, develop projects and play an active role in shaping a sustainable future for the oceans.
Ocean Decade Website
© Ocean Youth Summit
Acquire article rights