Dr Deanesh Ramsewak, Assistant Professor in Practice at The University of Trinidad and Tobago's (UTT) Centre for Maritime and Ocean Studies (Marine Sciences Unit), recently attended the First OceanObs'29 Assembly Meeting, held during the Global Ocean Summit in Hong Kong, China.

 

OceanObs is the world's premier decadal conference series dedicated to advancing the global ocean observing system. Convened once every decade, it brings together leading scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and international organisations to shape the future of ocean observations, data sharing, and marine sustainability. The OceanObs'29 Assembly marked a significant milestone in preparations for the OceanObs'29 Conference, which will take place in 2029.

 

Dr Ramsewak currently serves as a member of the OceanObs'29 Programme Committee, joining an international team of experts responsible for guiding the scientific vision, programme development, and strategic direction of the conference over the next four years. The Hong Kong Assembly represented the first in-person meeting of the Programme Committee, providing an opportunity to establish working priorities, strengthen international collaborations, and develop the framework that will underpin one of the most influential ocean science conferences of the decade.

 

The Assembly brought together representatives from leading oceanographic institutions, international organisations, government agencies, and research programmes from around the world to discuss emerging priorities in ocean observing, digital ocean technologies, data interoperability, capacity development, and the implementation of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

 

Dr Ramsewak's participation further strengthens UTT's growing international profile in marine sciences, geospatial technologies, Earth observation, and digital ocean initiatives. His involvement also creates opportunities to build new research collaborations, contribute to international policy discussions, and ensure that the perspectives and priorities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including those of the Caribbean, are represented in the future development of the global ocean observing system.