The Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts, and Islands convened from 12-14 November 2003 at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France, bringing together some 250 water experts representing governments, IGOs, NGOs, academia and civil society.

During the three-day conference, participants met in Plenary, roundtable and working group sessions to examine the commitments on oceans, coasts and islands made at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), as well as strategies for achieving implementation of a global oceans agenda, which include mobilizing private sector involvement and involving small island developing States (SIDS). Outcomes from the Global Conference will be included in a Co-Chairs report, containing WSSD implementation perspectives, progress initiatives and summaries of papers presented at the Conference. For Sustainable Development’s coverage of this meeting, visit: http://enb.iisd.org/crs/sdune/