Historically, the Global Ocean Forum has focused on wide range of focal areas, including those listed below:
- Ocean and Climate Change
- Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
- Marine Biodiversity
- Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management
- Small Island Developing States
- Capacity Development
- Public Education and Outreach
As a result of consultation with stakeholders, the ICO Board of Directors, and the ICO Policy Advisory Board, the GOF will narrow its strategic ambitions to four focal areas as outlined in its 2024-2030 Strategic Plan. These include the following: Areas beyond National Jurisdiction, Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management, Ocean and Climate Change, and Blue Economy, a new workstream for GOF now under development.