SPEAKING AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

9—13th June 2025
FRANCE 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) — panel speaker | Nice

The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by the Governments of France and Costa Rica, will take place from 9 to 13 June 2025 in Nice, France.

I will be heading to the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, from the 9-13 of June. UNOC is one of the largest and most significant global ocean forums. It takes place every few years, convening key stakeholders, governments, and cross-sector institutions to develop plans to implement UN Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water.

I was invited to be a speaker at an ”As Above, So Below” panel curated by ZEITGEIST19 during UNOC3 hosted at the Cryosphere Pavillion. Moderator: Elizabeth Zhivkova, ZEITGEIST19

https://albedocryosphere.fr/programme-du-pavillon-de-la-cryosphere/

REGISTER HERE: https://we-are-the-ocean.com/register

Speakers:
• Jan Pachner, Secretary General One Ocean Foundation
• Christian Clauwers, Arctic Explorer & Photographer
• Antoine Bertin, Environmental Artist

23—27th June 2025
AUSTRIA Living Planet Symposium, organized by the European Space Agency (ESA) — Seeing is Believing: From Visual Observation to Global Awareness | Austria Center Vienna

I will participate in a session on bridging Art and Earth Observation, on the 25th of June (during the Climate Challenge day) at this international conference, organized by the European Space Agency (ESA).

04—10th September 2025
UNITED KINGDOM Orkney International Science Festival — Seeking out an unknown world | Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

I will give a keynote and will exhibit at the Ship of Fools Gallery in Kirkwall’s Bridge Street.

11th September 2025
BELGIUM BE-Polar Conference | USquare, Brussels

This conference will highlight Belgian polar science and research, integrate it in the larger context and global challenges, and bring together the vibrant Belgian polar community to help shape the future of Belgian polar science. This event is organized in collaboration with BELSPO, APECS Belgium, IPF, BNCAR and Usquare.brussels.

Previous conference participation

2025


BELGIUM Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) — The Climate Crisis & the Future of our History | Brussels
It is my great pleasure to give a keynote at CEPS' annual flagship event: CEPS Ideas Lab, which remains the most high-profile annual event on EU policies. Its aim is to provide a high-level intellectual forum for the exchange of ideas concerning the wide range of current and pressing issues faced by the EU. The discussions are open, insightful, and impactful, with the active involvement of policymakers, researchers, and representatives from industries and civil society.

USA Climate symposium at the University of Nevada with the College of Science — Exploring the frontlines of Climate Change: The research vessel BELGICA (in the context of 125 years
‘Belgian Antarctic Expedition’) | Planetarium in Reno, NV

2024


SAUDI ARABIA United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) COP16 | Riyadh
I was invited by the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia to participate in a panel discussion at desertification summit COP16 in Saudi Arabia.

BELGIUM Organising an event in collaboration with the EU Climate Pact of the European Commission — INTO THE WHITE - Polar stories from Polar people | Gallery Blue Earth Explorers, Antwerp
Experience an icy special evening by and for polar enthusiasts. Listen to the stories of three inspiring experts who have personally experienced the end of the world. What are the challenges, and how can we contribute to the preservation of these areas?

- Christian Clauwers - Ocean and polar explorer. Environmental reporter. Documentary photographer - EU Climate Pact Ambassador
- Maria De la Fuente Ruiz - Postdoctoral researcher in biogeochemistry and modelling of the Earth System at ULB - EU Climate Pact Ambassador
- Preben Van Overmeire - Atmospheric chemist specialising in the impact of human pollution and organic matter in Antarctica

THE NETHERLANDS Regio 22 Rotary Foundation seminar — Natuur in het hart | Utrecht

INDIA Sagarmanthan, The Great Oceans Dialogue (co-hosted by Observer Research Foundation and India's Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways) — The climate crisis: Using images to bridge the gap between science, industry and policy | New Delhi
Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue serves as a platform for critical conversations – which includes discussions and deliberations on the blue economy, maritime logistics, ports, shipping and waterways sectors, and the global maritime economy. I will give a keynote and will participate a panel discussion "Not So Distant: The Arctic and Us."

ITALY Collège des Ingénieurs — Impulses on Climate Change Impact | San Servolo, Venice
I will give a 45’ keynote.

AZERBAIJAN United Nations Climate Change Conference COP29 | Baku
Attending and participating the 29th ‘Conference of the Parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN COP29) in Baku.
— Lecture ‘The Climate Crisis & The Future of our History’ at the Entertainment + Culture Hub & Convergence | side event COP29, Planetarium, Baku
— Lecture ‘The Power of Images- Connecting Humanity with Nature’s Fragility’ at the Cryosphere Pavilion | COP29, Blue Zone

BELGIUM European Marine Board: Launch of Navigating the Future VI, Talk CEC | Brussels

MEXICO Environmental Forum: Foro ambientalista del Voluntariado de Poder judicial del Estado de México — Conciencia, una cuestión de tiempo (Awareness, a matter of time) | Toluca
I was the keynote speaker at the Environmental Forum, in collaboration with the Judicial Power of the State of Mexico. In the presence of the Belgian ambassador.

BELGIUM KLIMAAT PARLEMENT | Zoersel

BELGIUM Federal council for sustainable development — Climate and economic governance in a European framework: what implications for Belgium? | Brussels

USA UN World Oceans Day at the UN Headquarters and World Oceans week at the Explorers Club | New York City

DENMARK European Maritime Day - European Commission | SIMAC Academy (Svendborg International Maritime Academy), Svendborg
​The European Maritime Day (EMD) is the annual two-day event during which Europe’s maritime community meet to network, discuss and outline joint action on maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy. The EMD is the place where ‘Ocean Leaders Meet’. It provides an engaging and completely interactive experience to catch up on the current state of play on a broad range of issues concerning the blue economy and the marine environment and to discuss ways of moving forward. The EMD targets professionals from businesses, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia as well as EU citizens interested in the Sea. High-level plenary sessions including my keynote, leadership exchanges and stakeholder workshops attract experts and stakeholders from across Europe and beyond. Special thanks to the European Commission, the Municipality of Svendborg and the Danish Maritime Authority.
I exhibited my photos and lectured on 30th May, 15:00-15:45. Download the full programme here. More info about my presentation. More info about my exhibition.

CANADA Summit at the Wilfrid Laurier University — Using Image to bridge the gap between science, education and policy | Brantford, Ontario
I gave a keynote at the Summit for Creative Community Solutions at the Research and Academic Centre on the Brantford campus of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada.

NORWAY Europadagene (‘Europe Days’), organised by the Mid-Norway European Office, SINTEF and the City of Trondheim — How does climate change affect the world's oceans? | Havet Arena, Trondheim
2021-2030 is the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. The decade aims to improve the global community's ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular emphasis on the goal "Life in the Sea". With this year's Europe Days, we want to show the potential of innovation in the marine sector, both regionally, nationally and internationally. We hope the event will provide more expertise and inspiration to continue the work of strengthening Trøndelag as a region for international research, innovation and value creation.
I gave a keynote with the title: “How does climate change affect the world's oceans?” (more info on the website) and exhibited 22 photos in the city center of Trondheim, Norway.
Special thanks to the Mid-Norway European Office and the City of Trondheim.

SPAIN Ocean Decade Conference 2024 | Barcelona
The 2024 Ocean Decade Conference will bring together the global Ocean Decade community and partners to celebrate and take stock of progress, and set joint priorities for the future. An important milestone on the path to 2030, the event will cover the full range of Ocean Decade Challenges including critical issues such as climate change, food security, sustainable management of biodiversity, sustainable ocean economy, pollution, and natural hazards.

MONACO Monaco Ocean Week | Montecarlo
From 21st to 26th March, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its partners, the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, the Scientific Centre of Monaco and the Yacht Club of Monaco, with the support of the Prince’s Government, have invited the primary international players in ocean management and protection to meet and discuss topics ranging from plastic pollution, ocean acidification, coral reefs, the blue economy and innovation, the potential of algae, coastal resilience and scientific research.

BELGIUM Ocean Literacy in Action at the European Ocean Days | Brussels
Hosted by the European Commission (DG MARE) and the vibrant EU4Ocean coalition, and with the support of IOC/UNESCO, we are diving into a day filled with insightful discussions and activities centred around ocean literacy.

BELGIUM The European Climate Pact Annual Event | Brussels
The European Climate Pact annual high-level event will gather the Pact Community to work together on new ways to take climate action at all levels of society.

2023


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 | Dubai
Attending and participating the 28th ‘Conference of the Parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN COP28) in Dubai.
— Participating the panel debate organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) about the importance of art in policy change | EMEA, Blue Zone
— Keynote ‘Policy Change through Storytelling’ at the Convergence | Slovenian Pavilion, Green Zone
— Keynote ‘Policy Change through Storytelling’ at the Entertainment + Culture Hub | Resilience Hub, Blue Zone

ARGENTINA Conference ‘Call for Awareness’ on Climate change in Buenos Aires | Centro Argentino de Ingenieros, Buenos Aires
On Thursday 16 November, 9am Argentina Time, I gave a keynote for the ‘Call for awareness’ conference in Buenos Aires.

NORWAY One Ocean Conference | Bergen
How can authorities, regulators, financial institutions and business accelerate a responsible ocean industry transition? How to transform shipping towards zero emissions? How to secure global renewable energy from the Ocean? How can sustainable seafood meet future protein demand? https://oneoceanconference.no/

NORWAY Keynote speaker at the 5th ‘International Symposium on the Effects of Climate Change on the World’s Ocean’ (ECCWO 5) — Using image to bridge the gap between science, education and policy | Bergen
In April 2023, leading climate scientists discussed how climate change is affecting the ocean. The conference was opened by the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and Christian Clauwers. The ECCWO5 symposium brought more than 500 leading scientists together together from 70+ countries. Experts from all over the world discussed the climate effects on ocean ecosystems. The 2023 event highlighted the latest information on how oceans are changing, what is at risk, responses that are underway, and strategies for increasing climate resilience, mitigation and adaptation. Its aim is to identify key knowledge gaps, promote collaborations, and stimulate the next generation of science and actions.

The international symposium “Effects of Climate Change on the World's Ocean” is the fifth in the series, and is organized by ICES, PICES, IOC-UNESCO and FAO with the Institute of Marine Research as the local host. I am honoured that I participated in the Symposium as an opening lecturer, after the speech of the Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon. I brought a visual testimony of vulnerability and impact of our ocean and polar regions. The title of my lecture was "Using image to bridge the gap between science, education and policy". Click here for more information.

BELGIUM European environment network conference 2023: “Delivering the European Green Deal in Unprecedented Times” | Brussels
How can Europe deliver its ambitious policy goals set under the European Green Deal? The conference highlighted Member States' insights and experience in turning EU policy goals into concrete actions.
This conference was organised by the European Environment Agency (EEA). Click here for more information.

2022


FRANCE CommOCEAN 2022 - 5th International Marine Science Communication Conference | Station Ifremer in Sète
The conference highlights the critical need to strengthen the marine science communication capacity in Europe, as well as develop dedicated training programs, engage in deeper and wider collaboration with stakeholders, and ensure close interaction with the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030.

BELGIUM Arctic Futures Symposium 2022 | Brussels
The Arctic Futures Symposium 2022 took place on 29/11 and 30/11, organised by the International Polar Foundation (IPF).
The symposium included a photo exhibition featuring my polar photo work. The poster image of the conference has been taken by me during the Lofoten project.

EGYPT United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 | Sharm El Sheikh
Attending the 27th ‘Conference of the Parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN COP27) in Egypt.
I will be at COP27 as the Head of Delegation of the World Ocean Network, an international association working to raise public awareness about the importance of the Ocean.
Exploration, documentation, inspiration and raising awareness is essential in order to save our oceans & polar regions and their communities. The ocean doesn't just store solar radiation, it also helps to distribute heat around the globe. Weather patterns are driven largely by ocean currents. Insight into the environmental challenges, the crucial, essential role of the Ocean in preserving environmental balances and visualising the effects of human activities on the Ocean is important for the future of our planet and will be my commitment to COP27.

FRANCE 11th International Aquarium Congress (IAC) at NAUSICAÁ | NAUSICAÁ, Boulogne-sur-Mer
Nausicaá hosted the 11th International Aquarium Congress (IAC) from 30 October to 4 November 2022 in Boulogne sur Mer, France.
In addition to my ongoing photo exhibition in the hall of NAUSICAÁ, I gave a lecture focussing on the oceans and polar regions.

BELGIUM Polar Symposium | Museum of Natural Sciences, Brussels
Belgian polar research plays an active and leading role on the international scene. The Polar Symposium highlights Belgian polar research and the scientific and policy fora associated with it. Presentations will cover climate, ice, geology, space, terrestrial biology, anthropology and health, ocean, marine biology and Belgian research facilities, complemented by contributions from leading polar organisations and prominent political speakers. Organised by BELSPO, EGMONT, APECS & BNCAR. I proudly presented my photos during the symposium.

AUSTRIA European Forum Alpbach (EFA) | Alpbach
I have been nominated and invited to be part of a specially selected group of personalities, leaders and innovative minds, to contribute ideas, experiences and solutions as a curated group of participants at the European Forum Alpbach 2022. The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) is a platform that drives ideas for an empowered and democratic Europe. It brings together the next generation of leaders in Europe with the most innovative minds, decision-makers and experts from politics, business, sciences, culture and civil society to work together from all over the world to engage and contribute to its mission.

2021


BELGIUM Arctic Futures Symposium 2021 | Brussels
12th Edition of Arctic Futures Symposium, organised by the International Polar Foundation.

UNITED KINGDOM United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26 | Glasgow
Attending the 26th ‘Conference of the Parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN COP26) in Glasgow; presenting my photographic work at the Benelux pavilion during the ministerial roundtable event BLUE LEADERS 30x30 on building climate resilience in the ocean. These countries, known as the “Blue Leaders” are committed to securing a new international target to protect at least 30% of the global ocean through a global network of highly and fully protected marine areas by 2030 (“30x30”) and the successful negotiation of a strong new UN High Seas Treaty.

BELGIUM FIT FOR 55, “Delivering the European Green Deal“| Brussels
Presentation of my photos at the FIT FOR 55 Conference, organised by the Climate Change cell of the Public Health Departement of the Belgian Federal Government. FIT FOR 55 comprises the package of proposals that the European Commission put on the table to align European legislation with the new climate ambition (an emission reduction of at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990. Click here for more info.

2020


10th Pacific Islands conference | (online)

2019


SPAIN United Nations Climate Change Conference COP25 | Madrid
Attending the 25th ‘Conference of the Parties’ to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UN COP25) in Madrid; presenting my photographic work in the public area during the entire conference, on the official social media channels of the UN, as well as in the Benelux Pavilion during the Ministerial roundtable event BLUE LEADERS 30x30 on Building climate resilience in the ocean. https://klimaat.be/news/2019/blue-cop-klimaattop-cop25-het-teken-van-de-oceaan

USA Arctic Futures 2050 Conference | National Academy of Sciences, Washington D.C.
A novel conference of Arctic scientists, Indigenous Peoples, and policy makers jointly exploring the knowledge needed to inform decisions concerning the Arctic in coming decades.

BELGIUM Climate Change & Oceans Preservation | Brussels
The impact of climate change on the oceans and marine environment poses major challenges. Researchers are sounding the alarm. Even with the most stringent emission reductions, global sea level will rise dramatically, disrupting life on land and in the seas. To meet what is probably the greatest challenge of this century, Belgium is organising the international conference Climate Change and Oceans Preservation in Brussels on Tuesday 19 February 2019. This conference will not only take stock of current issues but will also give countries, sectors and organizations the opportunity to sign the Brussels Declaration and thus reaffirm their commitment to future generations.

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