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The Future of Humanity Depends on the Ocean

 

On October 24, distinguished guests and world-class experts in ocean marine studies gathered in Qingdao, Shandong province, for a Global Conference on Ocean Cooperation and Development. The event marks the 100th anniversary of the Ocean University of China (OUC), which has made significant contributions to the development of a maritime community with a shared future. This taskforce was announced by President Xi Jinping in 2019.

Photo: The Russian delegation is meeting with OUC President Professor Zhang Junfeng

The Conference focused on two key questions: firstly, whether the ocean can provide sufficient food, energy, resources and space for humanity; and secondly, whether China will be able to fully understand the ocean, regulate it and maintain a healthy marine environment.

At the opening ceremony, the President of OUC, Professor Zhang Junfeng, highlighted the importance of open access to global marine science data and academic resources, and emphasised the need to raise public awareness of the ocean's significance. He also called for the implementation of science-based policies to establish a high-level global collaborative innovation network for ocean science and education.

Photo: Keynote Report by the President of OUC, Professor Zhang Junfeng

Among all Chinese institutions majoring in marine ecosystems, blue fishery, blue drug, OUC mostly proceeds with profound developments related to the ocean governance with China taking a leading role. The Conference proved China’s commitment to cultivating marine talents. To date, a global network of OUC alumni numbers over 360,000. The university is home to 30% of China's marine academicians.

The conference summarized the positive practices of Qingdao's cooperation with many countries, but primarily Germany, Norway, Great Britain and New Zealand in mitigating the effects of global warming, leveraging technological innovation to promote a shift towards circular economy in marine development, implementing regulations and consensus documents in marine-related areas, as well as developing new sites for training marine engineering talent and wider industry-scientific integration.

24.10.2024