Forging a pathway for connecting skills, knowledge, technology, and participatory decision-making for all through the UN Ocean Decade Challenge 9

The UN Ocean Decade Vision 2030 Report identified the role of ocean knowledge in sustainable development and highlighted the need for a clear pathway to achieve its vision. Challenge 9–skills, knowledge, technology, and participatory decision-making for all—is crucial for forging a collaborative and connected pathway for knowledge generation and sharing. This article summarizes the challenges and recommendations in the Challenge 9 White Paper. It then focuses on three aspects that had emergent significance during the White Paper review processes: (1) the language we use around capacity, (2) the need to include multiple and diverse knowledge systems, and (3) the proposition that Challenge 9 is the natural home for access to participation in ocean decision-making.