Learning and Playing Week
International Marine Ecology Conference – One voice for the sea
Republic of Poland
Our seas and oceans are more than a body of water—they are a shared natural heritage, a vital ecosystem, and a testing ground for how we manage marine development sustainably.
Poland Pavilion invites you to a special event One voice for the sea showcasing international contribution to protecting the Baltic Sea and the oceans through science, policy, and collaboration. Join us for a series of expert-led presentations exploring key environmental challenges, innovative research, and the green transition in the maritime sector.
The conference is part of the organisation of the Polish Maritime Day withinthin the framework of the programme for the promotion of Poland at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai and it is held under the patronage of the Minister of Infrastructure.
Discussion
- EDTEC
- Entrepreneurship
- Others
- Sea Ecology
| Transmission of simultaneous interpretation | Provided |
|---|---|
| Language of interpretation | Japanese and English |
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Track Programme
- Time and
Date of
the event -
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2025.07.21[Mon]
10:00 ～ 12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
-
- Venue
- Theme Weeks Studio
Programme details
**Who Should Attend? **
-Marine scientists and researchers
-Environmental NGOs and policymakers
-Maritime industry professionals
-Students and educators
-Civic and grassroots organizations
-Anyone passionate about the future of the Baltic Sea and the Oceans
***Programme Details****
10:00 – 10:10
Opening Remarks
-Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister of Infrastructure
10:10 – 10:40
Guarding the Seas, Guarding the Oceans – International Perspectives
Presented by BLUE OCEAN DOME Pavilion, Saudi Arabia Pavilion, and Portugal Pavilion
10:40 – 11:10
Planning the Baltic Future: Sectors, Conflicts, and Priorities
Offshore Wind in Poland: Potential and Environmental Responsibility
Baltic Sea Research and Protection
-Magdalena Matczak, Economics and Spatial Policy Department
-Juliusz Gajewski, Operational Oceanography Department
-Anna Barańska, Marine Ecology Department
(All from Maritime Institute, Gdynia Maritime University, Poland)
11:10 – 11:25
Validation of Computer Programmes in Maritime Environmental Safety
-Agnieszka Kalbarczyk-Jedynak, Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin
11:25 – 11:40
Navigating Tomorrow: How Maritime Training Is Adapting to the Green Shipping Revolution
-Piotr Treichel, Director, Officer Development College, Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin
11:40 – 12:00
Baltic Futures: How Grassroots Initiatives and Education Rewrite the Story of the Sea
-Olga Sarna, CEO, Mare Foundation
Reports
【Reflection】
The “International Marine Ecology Conference – One Voice for the Sea” brought together scientific, governmental, and civil society voices in a dynamic exploration of marine sustainability, climate challenges, and policy pathways for the future of our oceans. Hosted under the leadership of the Republic of Poland and with international contributions from Saudi Arabia and Portugal, the event took place at Expo 2025 as a powerful call for cross-border cooperation in marine ecology and maritime innovation.
The session began with opening remarks by Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State and Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, who emphasised Poland’s commitment to ocean health and the importance of integrated policy frameworks for protecting marine biodiversity. His address framed the session as both a scientific forum and a diplomatic platform for joint action.
A collaborative presentation by the BLUE OCEAN DOME , Saudi Arabia Pavilion, Portugal Pavilion, and other partners highlighted how diverse coastal nations are approaching marine protection from distinct but complementary angles—emphasising ecosystem resilience, international law, and emerging technologies.
A Polish delegation from the Maritime Institute at Gdynia Maritime University provided a triple-layered analysis of Baltic Sea dynamics. Magdalena Matczak discussed spatial conflicts between offshore wind development and biodiversity protection. Juliusz Gajewski presented advanced modelling of oceanographic systems, while Anna Barańska examined fragile marine ecologies under pressure from human and climate stressors.
The technical segment continued with Agnieszka Kalbarczyk-Jedynak from the Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin, who introduced simulation and validation tools to assess environmental safety in maritime planning. Following this, Piotr Treichel, Director of the Officer Development College, outlined how maritime training is evolving to meet green shipping standards and decarbonisation goals.
The final presentation by Olga Sarna, CEO of the Mare Foundation, brought grassroots perspective to the stage. Her inspiring talk detailed how citizen science, education campaigns, and community-based marine stewardship are transforming public narratives and empowering youth to be guardians of the sea.
Collectively, the conference bridged top-down policy with bottom-up action, academia with activism, and regional strategies with global imperatives. The unifying theme was clear: the ocean cannot speak for itself, so nations, institutions, and communities must speak as one voice—for the sea.
【Post EXPO Initiatives】
Building on the energy and insights generated at the International Marine Ecology Conference, several key initiatives are now under consideration by the Polish delegation and its international partners.
First, the Maritime Institute at Gdynia Maritime University aims to expand transnational Baltic Sea research through a shared digital platform that integrates environmental modelling, offshore energy mapping, and marine biodiversity tracking. A consortium proposal is being prepared in collaboration with institutions in Sweden, Germany, and Finland.
Second, the Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin will launch a new curriculum module focused on “Green Maritime Transitions,” incorporating simulation tools and AI-based risk assessment models for environmental safety. This will be part of the Officer Development College’s updated training agenda for the 2025–2030 cycle.
In the policy and public engagement domain, the Mare Foundation is scaling up its educational programme to include “Sea Literacy Labs” across Polish coastal towns, designed to connect students and families with marine science and activism. These labs will host workshops on plastic waste reduction, microhabitat monitoring, and ocean storytelling through art and digital tools.
Finally, Poland is exploring the formation of a Baltic Sea Forum on Marine Ecological Governance, drawing lessons from Expo 2025 to align legal, academic, and grassroots actors toward coherent regional marine policy. The forum is envisioned as an annual convening space and policy incubator.
These post-Expo initiatives reflect a commitment to scientific innovation, youth engagement, and multilateral stewardship. They ensure that “One Voice for the Sea” will continue to echo well beyond the shores of Expo 2025.
Cast
Moderator
Magdalena Nowacka
Polish Trade and Investment Agency
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Speakers
Arkadiusz Marchewka
Secretary of State and Deputy Prime Minister of Infrastructure
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Yusuke Saraya
Saraya Company Lmd.
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Hamed Albalawi
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA)
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Magdalena Matczak
Economics and Spatial Policy Department, Maritime Institute, Gdynia Maritime University, Poland
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Juliusz Gajewski
Operational Oceanography Department, Maritime Institute, Gdynia Maritime University, Poland
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Anna Barańska
Marine Ecology Department, Maritime Institute, Gdynia Maritime University, Poland
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Agnieszka Kalbarczyk-Jedynak
Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin
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Piotr Treichel
Director of Officer Development College Maritime University of Technology in Szczecin
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Olga Sarna
CEO, Mare Foundation
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Tiago Pitta e Cunha
Fundacao Oceano Azul
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Learning and Playing Week
International Marine Ecology Conference – One voice for the sea
Our seas and oceans are more than a body of water—they are a shared natural heritage, a vital ecosystem, and a testing ground for how we manage marine development sustainably.
Poland Pavilion invites you to a special event One voice for the sea showcasing international contribution to protecting the Baltic Sea and the oceans through science, policy, and collaboration. Join us for a series of expert-led presentations exploring key environmental challenges, innovative research, and the green transition in the maritime sector.
The conference is part of the organisation of the Polish Maritime Day withinthin the framework of the programme for the promotion of Poland at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Kansai and it is held under the patronage of the Minister of Infrastructure.
-
2025.07.21[Mon]
10:00～12:30
(Venue Open 09:30)
- Theme Weeks Studio
- * Programme times and content are subject to change. Any changes will be announced on this website and via the ticket booking system.
- * The schedule is subject to change depending on the organiser's circumstances.
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