World Ocean Day Logo
World Ocean Day Logo

** Click here to register for the next free program for youth worldwide! **

Sessions for October/November 2026

Focuses on understanding the crucial role that advocating for ocean conservation plays in addressing the climate crisis by featuring a major global issue (e.g., MPAs, deep sea mining, fisheries, nature-based solutions) and opportunities to help. Emphasizes the challenges and explores potential solutions to bridging the gap in understanding and awareness of this connection to decision makers and the public.

Focuses on how to develop effective communications for conservation campaigns, including formulating meaningful messaging, calls-to-action for social media, writing op-eds, letters, and other types of communication. Learn how to communicate campaign goals and progress, and strategies for utilizing various platforms to connect with target audiences.
Focuses on demonstrating what it takes to plan an event or campaign – from recruiting the right people to your team, where to look for and secure funding, and engaging with your community for durable impact. Learn tangible principles, tips, and how-to’s on planning and funding effective events.
Focuses on the importance of organizing campaigns in partnership and collaboration with others. Attendees will gain a better understanding of how to build collective power within a movement, with the capacity to make a bigger impact than if individuals acted on their own.
All sessions will be held 1pm-2pm UTC. (Click here to convert to your local time.)

** Click here to register! **

Why Join the Program?

Mobilizing the collective power of youth is essential in the fight for a sustainable future. We equip young advocates with a better understanding of the ocean-climate connections and the intersectional issues, practical organizing skills, and help them increase their confidence to act individually and together. In short, we empower youth to become effective champions for change in their communities and beyond. Whether it’s organizing a World Ocean Day event, advocating for policy change, or raising awareness, every action contributes to a healthier planet. Together, we can create a ripple effect that grows into a powerful wave of change for generations to come.

"I have learned some of the most valuable information I feel like I ever have. This program really solidified my passion over ocean conservation, and pushed me to really understand the “why” in my ideas. I have never been so grateful for an opportunity like this, with the most amazing people. They were able to indirectly push me for the better, help me personally reflect, and most importantly empowered me to express my ideas and get my word out to my peers."
Canton, age 15
Canton, age 15USA
"I want to express my gratitude for organizing such a valuable training program. It has been enriching, and I feel empowered to advocate effectively for youth causes. I look forward to joining you again and gaining more knowledge. This was my first experience with a training program like this, and as an 11-year-old, it was especially meaningful."
Siriwardhana, age 11
Siriwardhana, age 11Sri Lanka
"A job very well done to all the people that made the Youth Advocacy Training possible! Beautiful variety (in age, lived experience and profession) of speakers. Props to the team. I look forward to the next training!"
Matai, age 19
Matai, age 19Suriname
"This is a great initiative, and will encourage youth to be more mindful and willing to include themselves in the process of making a change."
Mercy, age 17
Mercy, age 17Ghana
"Thank you so much for this beautiful opportunity! It's given me much knowledge and has also improved my leadership skills to organize events in my country."
Deonisio, age 23
Deonisio, age 23Timor-Leste
"As an engineering student, I have been trying to learn more about the effects of human activities on environment, and ways to help create change. Without a doubt, I can claim that these Zoom sessions have been a great experience for me, as I got to know about fundraising, greenwashing, etc. I especially found the campaign organizing session very informative and enlightening. I'm looking forward to attending more sessions!"
Yatharth, age 21
Yatharth, age 21India
"Thank you so much for having such wonderful sessions! I'll take as many actions as I can in Japan from now on too!"
Eitoru, age 16
Eitoru, age 16Japan
"Getting involved with your local officials has a bigger impact than you think. I feel very inspired to contact my representatives."
Anne, age 18
Anne, age 18USA

Watch the February/March 2026 Training Sessions

Session 1 – Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Saturday, 28 February/1 March (depending on time zone) 2026 

Featuring: Asandiswa Nonyukela, Youth Coordinator, WILDTRUST and Chris Hines, Director of Education, National Geographic Pristine Seas – Watch the recording!

Session 2 – Communications & Social Media: Saturday, 7 March 2026 
Featuring: Kal Glanznig, Blue Minds Program Manager | Surfers for Climate | World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council Alum and Austin Picinich, Creator of Save Our Salmon Murals – Watch the recording!
 
Session 3 – Campaign Organizing: Saturday, 14 March 2026 

Featuring: Brigitta Maria Andrea Gunawan, Founder of 30×30 Indonesia & Diverseas and Maria Guillamont, J.D. Candidate and Founder, Coalition of Law Students Against Deep Sea Mining

Session 4 – Event Planning & Fundraising: Saturday, 21 March 2026 

Featuring: Ombretta Agro’ Andruff, Founder, Executive Director of ARTSail and Grey Gowder, Executive Director, Carolina Ocean Alliance & Director of The Hope Summit

We try to hold these training programs at different times each year. When you register for the upcoming training program, the form will convert to your local time. You can also use this time zone converter to find out what time the sessions will be held where you live.