Villars Ocean Forum 2026

Afternoon

• Check-in for guests @ Chalet Royalp Hotel, Victoria Hotel, & Villars Palace • Registration and badge pick-up @ Villars Palace

Introduction and objectives of the Villars Ocean Forum - Ground Zero for Planetary Tipping Points: Ocean, Poles & Glaciers.

The ocean, glaciers, and poles are central to Earth’s stability—and are now driving planetary risk. With 7 of 9 planetary boundaries already breached, including ocean acidification, this science briefing and interactive plenary will examine how accelerating cryosphere loss and ocean change are pushing Earth systems toward dangerous tipping points – and how today’s scientific, economic, political, societal, and technological shifts are changing the landscape for global resilience.

Session in Parallel

This session explores where new data, analytics, and artificial intelligence are already improving detection, forecasting, and decision-making for ocean, glacier, and polar change—and where gaps persist. What breakthroughs in data intelligence are emerging, and what more must the Villars Ocean Community do to reach a turning point that delivers decisive gains for ocean, glaciers, and poles?

This session explores where institutions and partnerships are already stewarding knowledge to inform systemic decisions — and where trust and collaboration remain fragile. What breakthroughs in knowledge stewardship are emerging, and what more must the Villars Ocean Community do to reach a turning point that delivers decisive gains for ocean, glaciers, and poles?

This session explores the latest advances in ocean, glacier and poles science — and where critical uncertainties remain. What breakthroughs in science and system dynamics are emerging, and what more must the Villars Ocean Community do to reach a turning point that delivers decisive gains for ocean, glaciers, and poles?

This session explores where measurement and standards are already creating accountability for ocean, glacier, and polar change—and where they fall short. What breakthroughs in standards and measurement are emerging, and what more must the Villars Ocean Community do to reach a turning point that delivers decisive gains for ocean, glaciers, and poles?

A report back of the key insights and ideas that emerged from sessions in parallel.

The Tonga 2025 ocean science expedition brought scientists, explorers, and policy makers into one of the planet’s most remote ocean regions. This session celebrates the team behind the mission, highlighting how exploration, data, and collaboration come together at the frontlines—expanding knowledge, inspiring action, and reminding us why discovery still matters for ocean protection.

Evening

This meal is prepared based on the recommendations of the EAT-Lancet Commission’s Planetary Health Diet, which provides scientific guidelines to ranges of different food groups that together constitute an optimal diet for human health and environmental sustainability.

Villars Ocean Forum 2026