United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI)

The United Nations Global Seaweed Initiative (UNGSI) is a collaborative platform that brings together Member States, UN entities, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society to accelerate the safe, sustainable, and inclusive development of the global seaweed sector.

Seaweed offers climate, environmental, and socio-economic benefits – from capturing carbon and restoring ecosystems to creating livelihoods and sustainable products. It can provide alternatives to fossil-based plastics, reduce livestock methane emissions, improve food security, and regenerate marine ecosystems.

First presented at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, following a recommendation from the 5th United Nations Ocean Forum, the Initiative aims to become the leading global platform for policy coordination, capacity building, and advocacy for the seaweed sector, ensuring its potential is fully realized for the benefit of people and the planet.

UNGSI is aligned with the Paris Agreement (Articles 2.1 (a), 2.1 (b), 2.1 (c), 7 and 10), and supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development , with contributions to SDGS on zero hunger (SDG 2), gender equality (SDG 5), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), climate action (SDG 13), life below water (SDG 14) and life on land (SDG 15) .

The Initiative will be formally launched at the UN General Assembly in September 2025.

Objectives

• Provide global leadership, coordination, and strategic direction for sustainable seaweed development.
• Foster inclusive sector growth, addressing standards, sustainability, trade, scientific research and innovation.
• Strengthen international and regional cooperation.
• Reflect the perspectives of small-scale producers and marginalized groups in policy.

Key Functions

• Coordination and Policy Leadership – Mapping regulations, setting global standards, ensuring sustainability, traceability, and social responsibility.
• Science, Technology, and Research – Advancing innovation in seaweed farming, processing, and climate-resilient strains.
• Technical Cooperation and Capacity Building – Strengthening producer countries’ capacities, supporting value chains, and ensuring equitable access.
• Advocacy and Awareness – Raising global awareness of seaweed’s role in climate action and sustainable development.

Expected Outcomes

• Develop a roadmap for coordinated action of all UNGSI Member States and Partners.
• Support the emergence of a global governance framework for the sustainable seaweed sector.
• Increase technical and institutional capacity to produce, process, and trade seaweed sustainably.
• Identify new market opportunities for seaweed-based climate and biodiversity solutions.
• Enable greater global recognition of seaweed’s role in achieving climate and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Partners

UN Member States:
Republic of Madagascar
Republic of Indonesia
Republic of France
Federative Republic of Brazil (to be confirmed)

UN Entities:
UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
UN Global Compact: Global Seaweed Coalition (GSC)
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO-IOC)

Join the Initiative

UNGSI is open to UN Member States, relevant UN agencies, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations. To join, entities must commit to supporting UNGSI’s objectives, fulfilling its functions, and mobilizing resources and expertise.