The ocean's role as a vital climate regulator is increasingly threatened by human activities. Early Career Ocean Professionals (ECOP) are central to this effort, combining scientific innovation, policy engagement, and community action to advance sustainable solutions. In this seminar, Evgeniia will speak about the UN Ocean Decade endorsed programme for ECOP, highlighting its capacity development work and activities related to the promotion of ocean literacy. This includes trainings in cooperation with Ocean Teacher Global Academy, ECOP Programme own webinar series, special side events at global conferences, and promotion of ocean literacy and blue citizenship. Attendees will get a clear understanding on how to engage with the relevant activities of the ECOP Programme.
Time: 16:00 – 17:00 Beijing Time (UTC+8), December 18, 2025
Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87812251280
Zoom Code: 419712
KouShare Link: https://www.koushare.com/live/details/46357
Keynote Speaker: Evgeniia Kostianaia
Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission UNESCO, France
Evgeniia is Consultant with the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO and Global Coordinator of the UN Ocean Decade endorsed Programme for Early Career Ocean Professionals, or ECOP Programme. With over four years in international ocean governance and seven years in business development, she bridges scientific research, strategic partnerships, and early-career empowerment. Her expertise spans climate resilience and impact of climate change on coasts and coastal economies, and multilingual communication. Passionate about supporting emerging professionals, she connects them with global opportunities in the ocean sector.
Discussion Panel: Afiq Durrani, Shenghui Li,Yernar Sailybayev
Afiq Durrani
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Malaysia
Dr. Afiq Durrani is an Early Career Ocean Professional specializing in ocean acidification and marine microbiota. He excels at translating complex science into inspiring public experiences through storytelling and art. As advisor to Malaysia’s first Sustainable Ocean Alliance hub, he mentors youth in ocean literacy, plastic upcycling, and community outreach, empowering new ocean leaders. His commitment to engagement earned him a seat on the IOC UNESCO Group of Experts on Ocean Literacy. A YSEALI Professional Fellow, he recently researched oyster-associated bacteria at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Through science, education, and youth empowerment, he builds a future where people feel connected to ocean protection.
Shenghui Li
Guangdong Ocean University, China
Shenghui Li serves as a lecturer and researcher at Guangdong Ocean University, focusing on marine spatial planning (MSP), marine protected areas (MPAs), and sustainable ocean governance. She holds significant leadership roles in the international scientific community, serving as Co-chair of both the Interdisciplinary Marine Early Career Network (IMECaN) and the Acting Knowledge Committee of the International Platform for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS). Through her work with global and regional partners, she actively promotes stronger interfaces between ocean science, policy, and society.
Yernar Sailybayev
Caspian Environmental Consortium Ltd., Kazakhstan
Yernar Sailybayev is a senior executive and project manager with over 20 years of experience in sustainable development, climate innovation, and strategic management. He is the Director and CEO of the Caspian Environmental Consortium Ltd., where he leads UNESCO-endorsed climate action and carbon removal projects. An expert in climate policy, blue economy, and environmental risk, he also serves as the National Rapporteur on Global Climate Litigation for Kazakhstan at Columbia Law School’s Sabin Centre. Yernar is a co-founder of the ALMA Alliance for ecosystem-based adaptation in Almaty, and actively promotes climate action and human capacity development. He holds a LLB in International Law and is based in Kazakhstan.
Post your questions to the keynote speaker and panel members：once.secretariat@outlook.com