Young voices and global leaders unite to Nudge the New Ocean Society at The Ocean Race Summit
by The Ocean Race 31 Jan 02:34 PST
Mayor Salis: "Young people are not just calling for change, they are already driving it. Institutions, cities, and leaders need to listen"
Today, the historic Palazzo Ducale became a living laboratory for the future of ocean action as The Ocean Race Summit Genova: Nudging the New Ocean Society brought together over 200 political leaders, youth advocates, scientists, sailors and creatives for a highly interactive, youth-oriented dialogue on the future of ocean health.
Far from a traditional conference, the Summit was designed as a dynamic, participatory exchange, with constant interaction between speakers and audience. Through live polling, open questions, and shared reflection, young people and decision-makers co-created ideas on how to accelerate ocean protection and shape a new relationship between society and the sea.
Hosted by actress, environmental advocate, and psychology student, Bailey Bass (including Avatar movie), the day opened by inviting participants to connect with their own "blue mind", the personal space where the ocean lives within each of us.
A city and a region shaped by the ocean
As host of two editions of The Ocean Race Summits, the finale of both the 2021 edition of The Ocean Race Europe and the last around-the-world race in summer 2023, as well as a stopover for The Ocean Race Europe 2025, Genova has proven itself to be a passionate and engaged partner in sport and sustainability, bringing Italian flair and hospitality to the Race. Opening remarks highlighted Genova's identity as a city born from the sea historically, economically, and culturally and its evolving role in shaping a sustainable blue future.
Silvia Salis, Mayor of Genova, said: "The Ocean Race is a reminder of the bond between Genova, its people, and the sea, a connection that is deeply rooted in our collective identity. It stretches back centuries, to a time when Genova was a leading maritime power in the Mediterranean and beyond. The ocean is part of our heritage and also central to our future: as a city, we see the blue economy as a strategic driver of sustainable development, innovation, and opportunity, especially for young people and future generations, so that they can live, work, and raise their families here.
"However, speaking about the sea also means taking responsibility for protecting it. In an era marked by climate change and environmental crisis, events like The Ocean Race remind us that there can be no true development without respect for nature. Protecting marine ecosystems, combating plastic pollution, and promoting the responsible use of marine resources are not only environmental objectives but also civic, cultural, and economic choices that will shape the future of our coastal city and the planet itself."
Marco Bucci, President of Regione Liguria, stressed: "As a sailor, the sea is not just a place for competition, it is something I love deeply and personally. That is why, as an administration, we made a clear decision to take sailing seriously and to work closely with The Ocean Race. Here in Genova, we understand that the sea is part of who we are. What The Ocean Race teaches us is simple but powerful: sport and environmental protection cannot be separated. If we do not protect the environment, there will be no stage left for competition. Today, at The Ocean Race Summit, this message is clearer than ever. We cannot give up on the health of our oceans. To the young people here, I say: we have a duty to leave the world better than we found it."
Both leaders underlined the importance of education, youth engagement, and community action in turning coastal cities into drivers of ocean stewardship.
Racing for the Ocean
Introducing The Ocean Race's global platform and purpose, Race Chairman Richard Brisius reflected on the journey from sailor to leader and on the race's transformation into a platform for ocean science, advocacy, and innovation.
"I still remember early in my sailing career when a teammate on the crew told me he trusted me with a difficult task on board, and that trust made all the difference. That's why I believe so strongly that we have to trust young people, empower them to do their best, and give them real responsibility."
He emphasised how The Ocean Race uses the power of sport and storytelling to bring ocean issues from remote waters into everyday life and how every stopover becomes an opportunity to spotlight local challenges and solutions.
The state of the ocean, and reasons for hope
Keynote speaker Mariasole Bianco, marine biologist and President of Worldrise, outlined the current state of the ocean while underscoring the momentum building around global ocean protection. "We have reasons for hope: the High Seas Treaty has finally entered into force... For the first time in history, we now have legal tools to protect ocean waters beyond national jurisdictions... Change is possible when we choose to act together to protect what belongs to all of us: one single, great ocean that connects our lands and makes life on this planet possible."
Her message resonated strongly with the Summit's youth audience, reinforcing the idea that ocean protection is both a scientific and a societal movement.
Youth at the center of the conversation
The Summit centered on two interactive panels fostering dialogue between youth and leaders. In "Questions from Youth," young participants engaged with European institutions, scientists, and local officials on influencing policy, ocean literacy, and conservation. A Seaside Chat on marine restoration highlighted Mediterranean ecosystems like posidonia meadows and algal forests. In "Questions from Leaders," the roles were reversed as global and local leaders asked young ocean advocates what they needed to better protect the ocean and how institutions should respond. Throughout both sessions, the audience submitted and voted on questions in real time, emphasising continuous, two-way conversation over one-way speeches.
Ettore Trillo, Deledda High School Representative, said: "As young people, we are still discovering our identity, our passions, and our role in society. We need the tools to develop our own perspective, and both physical and digital spaces where our voices can be heard. We must become critical thinkers - able to understand issues, their nuances, and the world around us. That comes through education, not only at school but through seminars and constructive opportunities that are accessible to everyone. In a global context marked by division and polarization, education can be the bridge that unites us around common challenges like sustainability. Being here together - youth and experts - to talk about the ocean is already part of building that perspective. But we also need to be organisers, part of the conversation, and trusted with real responsibility in decision-making. Young people can be trusted to speak honestly and to challenge existing approaches. It's not just about giving young people a seat in the boat - it's about giving us a role in the crew."
A recurring message throughout the day was that building a "new ocean society" requires more than awareness: it demands that everyone bring their own skills, passions, and professions into service for the ocean.
Participants were invited to reflect on their personal contribution (whether scientific, creative, political, athletic, or community-based) and to contribute their own Ocean Action Pledges, reinforcing the event's focus on participation.