The opening ceremony of the 15th training course of the UNESCO/IOC Regional Training and Research Center on Ocean Dynamics and Climate (UNESCO/IOC‑ODC Center) was successfully held in Qingdao on 1 September 2026. The two‑week program features the theme “Ocean Dynamics and Ocean Models”.

Organized by the UNESCO/IOC‑ODC Center and co‑supported by the South Asia Marine Disaster Risk Reduction Capacity‑Building Cooperation Project, the opening ceremony gathered key guests including Wei Zexun, Director of the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO); Qiao Fangli, Director of the ODC Center; Yang Yafeng, Director of the International Cooperation Division; IOC expert Bernardo Reduto Leal; Shweta Naik from the Global Blue Schools Network; Joseph Kojo Ansong, Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana; and Yin Xunqiang, Deputy Director of the ODC Center. Research Professor Qiao Fangli presided over the ceremony.

Director Wei Zexun stated that FIO will keep supporting the ODC Center as a high‑level platform for international marine cooperation. FIO will advance practical ocean‑climate collaboration worldwide and contribute scientific strengths to sustainable ocean development and a maritime community with a shared future.

Director Qiao Fangli noted that this training builds a cross‑disciplinary exchange hub for global young researchers on ocean modelling and climate science. Systematic lectures and hands‑on sessions are designed to solidify participants’ research foundations and stimulate innovation.

Joseph Kojo Ansong highlighted the high‑value learning opportunity for young scholars. He encouraged trainees to think independently, ask questions, share national research experiences and grow through mutual learning.

Since its launch in 2011, the ODC Center has received over 1,700 applications and trained 826 young marine scientists from 57 countries, focusing on capacity‑building and cooperation in ocean dynamics, air‑sea interaction, climate change and numerical modelling, especially for the Western Pacific region.

This year, 11 experts from China, Canada, Portugal, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India and other countries will deliver lectures. Altogether 41 trainees from 23 countries take part in the course. The curriculum covers new‑generation ocean‑climate coupled models, wave‑turbulence‑driven vertical mixing, automated marine environment modelling systems, deep‑learning‑based data assimilation, and CROCO regional ocean‑model theories and practical exercises. Side‑line activities include the Ocean Literacy Conference, trainee presentations, group seminars, and research‑proposal drafting and reporting.

The training offers vital capacity‑building chances for emerging ocean‑climate researchers, particularly young scientists from developing countries, to access global research resources. It will also boost China’s international voice and influence in marine‑climate science and technology.