Francesca Santoro is an oceanographer and Programme Specialist at the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), where she leads global efforts on Ocean Literacy, a key initiative connecting ocean knowledge with climate action and sustainable development.

With a background in oceanography and environmental sciences, she has built her career at the intersection of scientific research, policy, and education. Her work focuses on strengthening the understanding of ocean-climate interactions and translating scientific knowledge into accessible tools for decision-makers, educators, and communities.

Santoro has played a central role in developing and coordinating international programmes that integrate ocean literacy into education systems, national policies, and global climate strategies. Through these initiatives, she has contributed to empowering individuals and institutions worldwide to better understand the ocean’s role in regulating climate and sustaining life, while promoting more responsible behaviours toward marine ecosystems.

Her work also emphasizes the importance of science-policy interfaces, youth engagement, and community participation, ensuring that knowledge becomes a driver of tangible action. By fostering collaboration across governments, academia, and civil society, she supports the development of more inclusive and informed approaches to ocean governance.

Through her leadership, Ocean Literacy has become a global movement, positioning the ocean at the centre of sustainability and climate agendas. Santoro’s work reflects a broader vision: that informed societies are essential to protecting marine ecosystems and advancing meaningful, long-term climate solutions.