FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN AND WHERE IS THE EVENT?
Our Ocean Conference 2024 will be hosted on April 15-17, 2024 in Athens, Greece. The Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit will be held from April 14 to 15, 2024. On the 14th of April, a welcome reception will be held, followed by the Youth Leadership Summit on the 15th of April.
WHO CAN APPLY TO OUR OCEAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP SUMMIT?
Applicants must be problem-solvers, sustainability champions, students, or young professionals, and 18 to 35 years old. Prospective candidates should possess a passion for sustainability and a commitment to addressing some of the most pressing issues our planet faces, such as ocean acidification, marine pollution, habitat destruction, and overfishing. The Ocean Youth Leadership Summit offers an opportunity for education, collaboration, and proactive engagement, aiming to empower young leaders in making a positive impact on ocean-related challenges. Individuals from all nations are welcome to apply.
I AM NOT FROM GREECE. CAN I ATTEND THE SUMMIT?
Yes. The summit is open to international participants. Since 2017, more than 50 countries have been represented at the summit.
WHAT IS THE EVENT FORMAT?
The summit is a 2-day event on April 14 -15, 2024 and is being held just before thein parallel to Our Ocean Conference.
The intended theme for the Our Ocean Youth Leadership Summit is “Our Ocean, An Ocean of Potential”.
The content of the program will inspire young individuals to adopt a scientific perspective when addressing marine challenges, aligning with the UN Ocean Decade for Science. More specifically, discussion panels will emphasize the significance of utilizing data generated through science and technology to make well-informed decisions and develop policy solutions for the ocean, aiming to optimize results while minimizing adverse effects. In essence, summit attendees will depart with a heightened comprehension of the interconnected challenges facing ocean health and the means by which they can connect the interests of various stakeholders in government, the private sector, and academia to instigate ocean action and become catalysts for positive transformation.
The program agenda will soon be available and will be added to the website once it is ready.
HOW MANY YOUNG LEADERS WILL BE SELECTED AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SUMMIT?
This year, we will select about 100 – 50 by SOA and 50 from Greece – ocean leaders.
HOW CAN I APPLY?
You will need to fill out the Participation Form and you will be notified if you meet the criteria to be a Young Ocean Leader.
WHAT ARE THE SELECTION CRITERIA?
Participants will fill in an online application form and be evaluated against the following criteria:
- Background – the extent to which an applicant’s area of focus professionally or academically is relevant to the conference themes.
- Impact – the extent to which the applicant’s idea solves a real problem in the ocean sector and would provide overall benefits to society.
- Feasibility – how realistic is the proposed commitment/idea/solution.
- Scalability – how can the idea be scaled to new markets and/ or new industries.
- Enthusiasm – how much passion and enthusiasm is shown in the application.
- Vision – the extent to which the commitment aligns with the goals and values of Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) and Our Ocean Conference. Additionally, how forward-thinking is the proposed commitment/idea/solution?
- English proficiency – applicant’s capacity to articulate an idea in English
- Leadership – applicant demonstrates strong communication skills and potential for leadership.
- Ocean Impact – the level of interest and engagement in sustainability as it pertains to ocean health.
WHEN WILL SELECTED PARTICIPANTS BE ANNOUNCED?
The selected participants will be notified from 1/3/24 onwards and will be announced publicly on the event website and social media shortly afterwards.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR THE SUMMIT?
Upon approval, accepted participants will be provided with further details regarding the topics to be explored. They will then be organized into groups according to their expertise and interests, collaborating to tackle challenges within the specified themes.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR ACCOMMODATION?
Participants will not pay for their accommodation and will stay in a single hotel room between April 14-18, 2024.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR MY FLIGHT?
Participants will not pay for their flights. Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) and Our Ocean Conference organizers will work with a travel agency to book flights on your behalf. The flights will be booked directly and you will not have to pay and then get reimbursed. Selected participants will receive an email from Our Ocean Conference organizers with travel details required to book their flights.
WILL YOU COVER MY VISA EXPENSES?
If you require a visa to travel to Greece, we will be able to provide a visa letter. However, we will not cover any visa-related costs.
DO I NEED A PASSPORT TO TRAVEL TO GREECE?
If you are not a European Union’s citizen, you will need a passport. Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is not responsible for providing a passport or travel documents to selected participants. Please liaise with your embassy or consulate if you have any questions and ensure your passport is valid at least 6 months before the expiry date.
ARE MEALS INCLUDED?
We provide breakfast and lunch throughout the event and you will be invited to attend the welcome cocktail reception at Our Ocean Conference. Coffee breaks with beverages and light snacks will also be available during the conference. Please note that you are responsible for covering expenses related to other dinners.
IF SELECTED, WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?
Please bring a notepad, a pen, your laptop, business cards (if you have), weather-appropriate clothes, passion and enthusiasm! Note: Please bring your own reusable water bottle.
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
The dress code for the duration of the conference is business casual. For the welcoming cocktail reception, please wear cocktail attire or feel free to wear traditional attire from your country!
CAN I ATTEND OUR OCEAN CONFERENCE SIDE EVENTS?
Our Ocean Conference is arranging side events concurrent with the main conference. Details will be provided in due course and can be accessed on Our Ocean Conference website.
Although attendance at the side events of the Summit is not mandatory, it would be beneficial to participate.
WILL WE RECEIVE BADGES TO THE MAIN OUR OCEAN CONFERENCE?
Yes. The badges will be nominative and cannot be transferred.
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