Digital Twins of the Ocean are emerging across regions and sectors worldwide, offering new opportunities to bring together ocean observations, models and digital technologies to better understand and manage our ocean. But how can these initiatives connect, learn from one another and advance towards an interoperable global digital ocean?

As part of the DITTO Summit 2026, an international online side event will bring together the global digital ocean community to exchange perspectives on the needs, expectations, opportunities and challenges shaping the development of Digital Twins of the Ocean.

Connecting regional perspectives to advance a global digital ocean

Moving towards a global network of interoperable DTOs requires collaboration across regions, disciplines and initiatives. By sharing experiences, identifying common priorities and addressing barriers to cooperation, stakeholders can help shape a more connected and user-driven digital ocean ecosystem.

The side event, Towards a Global Network of Digital Twins of the Ocean: An International Dialogue on Visions, Expectations, and Perspectives on DTOs, will feature two interactive online dialogues, complemented by a collaborative whiteboard. Participants will have the opportunity to share their perspectives, highlight ongoing initiatives and explore practical solutions to strengthen collaboration across regions.

The sessions will take place at two different times to facilitate participation from communities across the world:

• 28 October 2026, 15:00–17:00 UTC – a session particularly suited to participants in Africa, the Americas and Europe.

• 29 October 2026, 07:00–09:00 UTC – a session particularly suited to participants in Asia, Australia, Oceania and Europe.

Participants can also contribute to the collaborative whiteboard before, during and after the dialogues, helping identify shared visions, regional priorities, opportunities and barriers to collaboration.

Contribute to the future of Digital Twins of the Ocean

The insights gathered through the consultation process will feed into discussions at the DITTO Summit 2026, taking place in Yokohama, Japan, on 11–13 November. The findings will also be presented through complementary in-person and online sessions, with further details to be shared with registered participants.

By bringing together diverse regional perspectives, this initiative aims to support a shared vision for operational, interoperable and user-driven Digital Twins of the Ocean.

Join the dialogue and help shape the future of a connected digital ocean.

Register for the online sessions: here.

Contribute to the collaborative whiteboard: here.