The Global Ocean Forum was first mobilized in 2001 to help the world’s governments place issues related to oceans, coasts, and small island developing States (SIDS) on the agenda of the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) in Johannesburg, South Africa, and was later formalized at the 2002 World Summit. Since 2001, the Global Ocean Forum (GOF) has brought together ocean leaders from governments, non-governmental organizations, international and intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, and scientific associations from over 110 countries. The GOF responds to perceived needs for fostering cross-sectoral dialogue on ocean issues among governments, NGOs, international organizations, and the private and scientific sectors; constant advocacy for oceans at the highest political levels; and the imperative of taking an ecosystem-based and integrated approach to ocean governance at national, regional, and global levels.