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Under the banner, ‘We commit to accelerating ocean science solutions for sustainable development!’, the combined voice of 1,200 dual conference participants resonated throughout the 2nd UN Ocean Decade Conference for the Western Pacific, and the 11th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference, held concurrently in Bangkok, from 22 to 25 April 2024. 

The double conference (henceforth ‘Conference’) was organized by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific (IOC-WESTPAC), and hosted by the Government of Thailand. The Conference brought together a diverse array of ocean stakeholders from over 40 countries. Together they presented the latest ocean knowledge, examined the progress made, to date, in UN Ocean Decade Actions, outlined future priorities, forged partnerships, and catalysed concrete actions for transformative ocean-based solutions to sustainability challenges in the region.

The remarkably high turnout this year set a new benchmark in the history of the Sub-Commission. , the Conference events featured 25 Scientific Sessions dedicated to sharing and disseminating the latest knowledge on ocean priority issues in the region; to examine developmental progress and formulate action plans for endorsed Decade programmes and projects (Decade Actions); and established to transform ideas into concrete Decade Actions. 

Additionally, a Special Forum on the South China Sea, held in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) reviewed recent project findings and their applications to local management of the South China Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. A Townhall discussion centered on the outcomes of the Barcelona Conference and the Decade Vision 2030, offering insights and actional recommendations to tackle ocean priority issues in the region towards greater sustainable development. Several side events were arranged on the sidelines of the Conference, showcasing the latest development in ocean science and technology, such as marine ecological ranching and the ocean satellite GOCI-II.

^{Outstanding Scientist Awards 2024 (left to right): Gil Suico Jacinto, University of the Philippines, the Philippines; Zainal Arifin, National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia; Vo Si Tuan, Institute of Oceanography, Viet Nam; Thamasak Yemin, Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand; and Daoji Li, East China Normal University, China}

The for their science achievement and contributions to international ocean science development and cooperation in the region.

In a bid to ignite youth enthusiasm for ocean science and cooperation, selected from a pool of 300 applications. 

^{Best Young Scientist Oral Presentation Award winners and Best Young Scientist Poster Presentation Award winners (from left to right): Suriyapong Kumsopar (Thailand) - Poster Presentation; Jingyi Zhu (Hong Kong SAR, China) - Oral Presentation; Apple AJ Langcamon (the Philippines) - Poster Presentation; Chisa Higuchi (Japan) - Oral Presentation; Shaun Wee (Singapore) - Oral Presentation; and Yawei Shen (China) - Oral Presentation}

The Conference culminated in . These collective commitments from all participants aimed at accelerating the development of ocean science solutions, empowering diverse stakeholders as co-architects of ocean stewardship, nurturing ocean leaders through widespread literacy and education, harnessing technical and technological innovations, supporting early career ocean professionals, and advancing international ocean science development and cooperation in the region for a sustainable ocean. 

Additionally, the Sub-Commission embraced the invitation from the Government of the Philippines to host the 12th WESTPAC International Marine Science Conference & 3rd UN Ocean Decade Regional Conference in 2027.