Genova Becomes a Global Hub for Ocean Action as The Ocean Race Returns to Italy
At the heart of the week are three major Ocean Health initiatives, each designed to inform, inspire and mobilise the next generation. Together, they form part of Racing for the Ocean, The Ocean Race’s long-term commitment to protecting and restoring ocean health by combining competition with science, education and policy engagement.
A city awakened to the ocean challenge
Throughout the week, Genova will host a series of events that move far beyond the dockside. From the cinematic power of David Attenborough’s storytelling to direct conversations between young ocean advocates and global decision-makers, the programme reflects a growing understanding: the future of the ocean will be shaped as much in classrooms, council chambers and cultural institutions as it will on the water.
By bringing these conversations into the heart of the city, The Ocean Race is positioning Genova not just as a maritime capital, but as a place where ideas, leadership and action converge.
The Ocean Race Summit Genova: Nudging the New Ocean Society
On Wednesday 28 January, attention turned firmly toward the future with The Ocean Race Summit Genova: Nudging the New Ocean Society, hosted from 11:00–14:00 at the iconic Palazzo Ducale.
The Summit is hosted by actress and environmental advocate Bailey Bass, and brings together an intentionally diverse mix of young ocean leaders and experienced global figures — including sailors, scientists, entrepreneurs and policymakers.
This is not a traditional conference. Instead of one-way speeches, the Summit is built around participative, two-way dialogue, creating space for generations and disciplines to meet on equal terms.
Keynote speaker Mariasole Bianco, marine scientist, communicator and President of Worldrise, will open the session with a vision for a healthier, more sustainable ocean. Panel contributors include:
Francesca Santoro, Senior Programme Officer, IOC-UNESCO
Elisabetta Balzi, European Commission DG Research & Innovation
Manon Peyre, Junior World Champion and Ocean Race sailor
Adélaïde Charlier, climate activist
Through mirrored sessions, local and international youth voices will engage directly with established leaders to explore how collaboration, innovation and fresh thinking can help shape a healthier ocean and a more sustainable ocean economy. The emphasis is firmly on practical pathways — ensuring that ideas discussed translate into real-world policy influence and action.
Empowering the next generation: the first Generation Ocean Symposium
The week culminates with a landmark moment for The Ocean Race’s education programme: the first-ever Generation Ocean Symposium, hosted at Deledda International School.
Organised in collaboration with Target4Green’s Beyond COP21 Symposium series, the full-day event immerses students and educators in ocean literacy, climate action and youth leadership. Through interactive workshops, STEAM-based learning, futures thinking and hands-on activities, participants will explore how classroom knowledge connects directly to some of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.
True to the spirit of Racing for the Ocean, the symposium goes beyond awareness. Its purpose is to empower young people not only to understand the ocean, but to become active stewards of its future. The event also marks the launch of what The Ocean Race envisions as a growing international series of Generation Ocean initiatives.
More than a race, a movement
With Genova as its stage, The Ocean Race is underlining a simple but powerful message: protecting the ocean is not just about sailing across it — it is about racing for it.
By bringing together film, dialogue, education and youth leadership, the week’s programme ensures that the voices shaping the future of our ocean are informed, inspired and equipped to lead. For Genova, and for the wider ocean community, it is a reminder that meaningful change starts where people gather, listen — and act.