About the forum
As the global ocean agenda takes shape ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, it is critical that the voices, challenges and opportunities of this dynamic region are heard.
The Indian Ocean Forum 2025, hosted by Minderoo Foundation and the French Embassy in Australia, brings together leaders, scientists and policymakers to drive meaningful action for ocean conservation and sustainable management. Over two days, participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, share cutting-edge solutions and foster stronger regional collaboration as we chart a course to UNOC3.
The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most vibrant marine ecosystems, vital fisheries and coastal communities. By amplifying key priorities - sustainable fisheries, marine conservation, ocean-based economies and climate resilience - the Forum aims to influence global decision-making at UNOC3 and beyond. This is an opportunity to ensure that the Indian Ocean region is not only represented but actively shaping the future of our shared ocean.
Speakers
Hear from experts, advocates, and thought leaders from diverse sectors as they address the critical issues facing the Indian Ocean.
From sustainable fisheries to climate change mitigation, these speakers are leading the way in fostering innovation and resilience in ocean-based economies and communities.
Thani Mohamed-Soilihi
Minister Thani Mohamed-Soilihi of France, Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships
Mr Sanjiv Ranjan
His Excellency Mr Sanjiv Ranjan, Secretary-General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association
Dr Andrew Forrest AO
Founder of Minderoo Foundation and Tattarang; Executive Chairman and Founder of Fortescue
Agenda
The Indian Ocean Forum is our opportunity to shape the global ocean agenda. This high-impact event aims to directly influence the discussions and outcomes of UNOC3 in Nice this June, ensuring that the priorities of the Indian Ocean region are heard on the world stage.
The objective of the Indian Ocean Forum is to build capacity, capability and alignment on issues critical to the Indian Ocean region, ahead of UNOC3. This will happen through engaging policy-makers, scientists and researchers across a number of presentations, keynotes and interactive panels.
Welcome and Registration
The University Club of Western Australia
Welcome to Country with Robyn Collard
Charting an ambitious course to UNOC
with Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships
Fireside chat with Dr Andrew Forrest AO
An urgent call for action for all leaders on protecting oceans
Australia's contribution to the Indian Ocean agenda
Western Australia's blueprint for ocean stewardship
with Hon Matthew Swinbourn
One ocean, one region
Opportunities and challenges from the Indian Ocean region with IORA Secretary General His Excellency Mr Sanjiv Ranjan
Lunch
Keynote: My Indian Ocean
Protecting what connects us all with Dr Asha de Vos, marine biologist and founder of Oceanswell
Ocean Innovation Showcase
Emerging technologies in ocean conservation:
- From signal to species in large-scale eDNA with Katrina West, Geneticist, Research Scientist, CSIRO
- Deep ocean insights with eDNA with Dr Georgia Nester, Deep Sea Postdoctoral Researcher, Minderoo OceanOmics and Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre
- AI and visualisation tools to make complex genetic data from our oceans more accessible with Philip Bayer, Manager Principal Research, Computational Biology, Minderoo Foundation
- Leveraging modern genomics to enhance kelp forest resilience with Dr Samuel Starko, Forrest Research Fellow, UWA
- WA's first artificial reef to combat erosion based on a similar reef installed in Mauritius with Chris Beaton, Head of Sustainability and Environment, City of Cockburn, WA
- The International Platform for Ocean Sustainability with Cameron Diver, Special Envoy for the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability
Afternoon tea
Waves of change: young change makers driving ocean action
with advocates Brinkley Davies, Tiahni Adamson and Brigitta Gunawan
Heat stress on Western Australian reefs
Understanding the current bleaching event and future resilience with Dr Kate Quigley, Principal Research Scientist at Minderoo Foundation
Sundowner
Indigo Oscar
Welcome and registration
The University Club of Western Australia
Incorporating First Nations knowledge and practices in marine conservation
with Luka Gray, CEO Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation and Zac Webb, Chairperson Undalup Association Inc
Scientific panel: Sustainable fisheries management
Promoting sustainable fisheries management across the Indian Ocean
Morning tea
Scientific panel: Innovative solutions for marine and coastal ecosystems
Innovative solutions for conserving, managing and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems
National leadership for the Indian Ocean
Hear directly from political leaders in the Indian Ocean on how they are addressing the most pressing issues and what they hope to see achieved at UNOC3
Lunch
Scientific panel: Ocean-based economies and resilience
Strengthening sustainable ocean-based economies, sustainable shipping and building coastal resilience
Scientific panel: Climate impacts on the ocean health and ecosystems
Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts on ocean health
Engaging the next generation through Educational Marine Areas
with Kim Lema, Co-Founder Educational Marine Areas Australia
Afternoon Tea
Driving change through the United Nations: UNOC3 and Beyond
with Damian Cardona Onses, United Nations Director UNIC Canberra
Setting sail: Ensuring a UNOC3 of action
Drinks and canapes
The Wonil
Welcome and Registration
The University Club of Western Australia
Welcome to Country with Robyn Collard
Charting an ambitious course to UNOC
with Mr Thani Mohamed-Soilihi, Minister of State for Francophonie and International Partnerships
Fireside chat with Dr Andrew Forrest AO
An urgent call for action for all leaders on protecting oceans
Australia's contribution to the Indian Ocean agenda
Western Australia's blueprint for ocean stewardship
with Hon Matthew Swinbourn
One ocean, one region
Opportunities and challenges from the Indian Ocean region with IORA Secretary General His Excellency Mr Sanjiv Ranjan
Lunch
Keynote: My Indian Ocean
Protecting what connects us all with Dr Asha de Vos, marine biologist and founder of Oceanswell
Ocean Innovation Showcase
Emerging technologies in ocean conservation:
- From signal to species in large-scale eDNA with Katrina West, Geneticist, Research Scientist, CSIRO
- Deep ocean insights with eDNA with Dr Georgia Nester, Deep Sea Postdoctoral Researcher, Minderoo OceanOmics and Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre
- AI and visualisation tools to make complex genetic data from our oceans more accessible with Philip Bayer, Manager Principal Research, Computational Biology, Minderoo Foundation
- Leveraging modern genomics to enhance kelp forest resilience with Dr Samuel Starko, Forrest Research Fellow, UWA
- WA's first artificial reef to combat erosion based on a similar reef installed in Mauritius with Chris Beaton, Head of Sustainability and Environment, City of Cockburn, WA
- The International Platform for Ocean Sustainability with Cameron Diver, Special Envoy for the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability
Afternoon tea
Waves of change: young change makers driving ocean action
with advocates Brinkley Davies, Tiahni Adamson and Brigitta Gunawan
Heat stress on Western Australian reefs
Understanding the current bleaching event and future resilience with Dr Kate Quigley, Principal Research Scientist at Minderoo Foundation
Sundowner
Indigo Oscar
Welcome and registration
The University Club of Western Australia
Incorporating First Nations knowledge and practices in marine conservation
with Luka Gray, CEO Yamatji Southern Regional Corporation and Zac Webb, Chairperson Undalup Association Inc
Scientific panel: Sustainable fisheries management
Promoting sustainable fisheries management across the Indian Ocean
Morning tea
Scientific panel: Innovative solutions for marine and coastal ecosystems
Innovative solutions for conserving, managing and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems
National leadership for the Indian Ocean
Hear directly from political leaders in the Indian Ocean on how they are addressing the most pressing issues and what they hope to see achieved at UNOC3
Lunch
Scientific panel: Ocean-based economies and resilience
Strengthening sustainable ocean-based economies, sustainable shipping and building coastal resilience
Scientific panel: Climate impacts on the ocean health and ecosystems
Accelerating the transition from fossil fuels to mitigate climate change impacts on ocean health
Engaging the next generation through Educational Marine Areas
with Kim Lema, Co-Founder Educational Marine Areas Australia
Afternoon Tea
Driving change through the United Nations: UNOC3 and Beyond
with Damian Cardona Onses, United Nations Director UNIC Canberra
Setting sail: Ensuring a UNOC3 of action
Drinks and canapes
The Wonil
Travel Information
We've gathered all the essential travel details to help you get to the Indian Ocean Forum smoothly.
The information below will help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at the forum. For information on transportation options and accommodation recommendations, please contact us.
The Venue
The Indian Ocean Forum IOF25 conference will take place at The University Club of Western Australia, located in Crawley, Perth.
The University Club of Western Australia
How to get there
Buses run frequently to the venue, find further information here.
The closest parking to the venue is Carpark 4 and 5 at the university campus. For parking information follow the directions here.
Shuttles will be leaving from key hotels to take participants to and from the conference. Further details will be provided.
Parking
The University of Western Australia (UWA) uses the EasyPark parking management system to manage parking on Campus.
Hotels
- Westin Hotel
Contact
Whether you have questions about the forum, need assistance with registration, or want to learn more about the event details, our team is here to help.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to us via the email below. We will respond to your inquiry as quickly as possible and ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of your experience at the forum. Thank you for being part of this event!