Frequently asked questions

1. What is the duration of the IPOS ramp-up phase, and what follows it?

The initial ramp-up phase will last two years, during which IPOS will refine its decision support options, governance and operational processes. Following this period, IPOS will transition into its fully operational phase, with Regional Nodes, the Steering Committee, the Knowledge Committee and the Knowledge Network fully established and functioning at scale. Lessons learned during the ramp-up phase will guide the long-term structure and continuous improvement of IPOS operations.

2. Can non-state actors submit requests to IPOS services?

Action Requests and Rapid Responses can only be submitted by UN Member States, either individually or as part of a group of States. Non-state actors - including civil society organisations, Indigenous Peoples, scientific institutions, and private sector representatives - are invited to participate through the Ocean Catalyst, which fosters inclusive, collaborative dialogue and solution development in support of national and regional Ocean sustainability efforts.

3. How does IPOS ensure equitable participation among developing countries and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)?

Equity and inclusivity are integral to IPOS’s design. The request evaluation system includes a Human Development Index (HDI) multiplier to prioritise States facing the greatest challenges in meeting international Ocean commitments. IPOS also promotes geographic and thematic diversity through its decentralised governance and inclusive expert networks, ensuring all regions and knowledge systems are represented.

4. How does IPOS complement, rather than duplicate, existing Ocean initiatives?

IPOS operates as a complementary mechanism within the global Ocean knowledge-to-policy landscape. It builds on and connects existing efforts, drawing on assessments and expertise from organizations such as the IPCC, IPBES, WOA, GESAMP, FAO, IOC and IMO. IPOS focuses on translating this global knowledge into actionable, context-specific policy options, ensuring coherence and avoiding duplication.

5. How does IPOS ensure the transparency and integrity of AI-supported outputs from IPOSGPT?

IPOSGPT was developed to support Rapid Responses through the ethical and transparent application of artificial intelligence. The model is trained on a curated corpus of peer-reviewed science and intergovernmental assessments, under the guidance of AI and ethics experts. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by at least two independent human experts before publication, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and accountability throughout the process.

6. What is the role of Regional Nodes in the IPOS structure?

After the ramp up phase, Regional Nodes will play a central role in managing requests, coordinating transdisciplinary working groups and selecting expert reviewers at the regional level. Aligned with UNEP and other UN regional groupings, these Nodes will ensure that IPOS services are regionally relevant, inclusive and responsive to local priorities, while fostering collaboration with existing regional networks and conventions.

7. How does IPOS integrate local and Indigenous knowledge into its processes?

IPOS places strong emphasis on the integration of diverse knowledge systems. Through co-development and participatory approaches embedded in all operations, IPOS combines robust scientific evidence with local and Indigenous knowledge to ensure that outputs are contextually relevant, equitable and grounded in the realities of those most closely connected to Ocean systems.

8. How will IPOS measure its effectiveness and impact?

IPOS will monitor its progress through indicators that reflect both delivery of outputs and resulting outcomes. These include timeliness and quality of responses, uptake of policy options by States, capacity-building achievements, and contributions toward the implementation of international Ocean commitments such as SDG 14, the Global Biodiversity Framework, and the BBNJ Agreement.

9. How is IPOS funded and what are the plans for long-term financial sustainability?

IPOS is currently supported through a mix of State and regional contributions, philanthropic support and private sector engagement. The funding base will expand to include partnerships with development finance institutions and the broader finance sector, ensuring the long-term sustainability of IPOS services and the ability of States to implement resulting policy recommendations.

10. How can experts and organizations engage with IPOS?

During the ramp-up phase, IPOS is establishing its Knowledge Network—a global community of experts, practitioners and knowledge holders across disciplines and regions. Members of this network may contribute to working groups, peer review processes or Ocean Catalyst initiatives. Civil society organizations can also engage through officially registered participation in dialogues under the Catalyst to share insights and co-develop solutions.