UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition Joins Forces for Offshore Wind Development

On September 18, 2025, the United Nations Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition made a significant announcement: it has officially joined the Global Offshore Wind Alliance (GOWA). This collaboration strengthens the partnership between governments, industry stakeholders, and civil society, all with a unified goal of scaling offshore wind power as a crucial element of the clean energy transition and as part of the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

GOWA was launched during COP27, a climate conference organized by the Government of Denmark, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). Its mission is ambitious, aiming for a total global offshore wind capacity of at least 2,000 gigawatts (GW) by the year 2050. This initiative reflects the increasing importance of renewable energy sources in combating climate change and meeting future energy demands.

By joining GOWA, the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition intends to leverage its extensive global network of businesses and partners. This mobilization is directed towards advancing responsible and nature-positive offshore wind deployment. They emphasize supporting national energy transitions, developing resilient supply chains, and creating jobs within coastal communities affected by these transitions. This initiative aligns perfectly with the Coalition's existing priorities, which focus on harnessing renewable offshore energy, promoting zero-emission shipping, and implementing low-carbon blue food systems.

Erik Giercksky, Head of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition at the United Nations Global Compact, remarked, "Offshore wind is one of the fastest, most scalable routes to clean power and green growth. By joining GOWA, we will help companies turn ambition into credible action—accelerating investment, fortifying supply chains, and ensuring that deployments are safe for people and beneficial to nature, all while adhering to the Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals."

This partnership with GOWA also aims to develop a comprehensive approach that includes sharing best practices in policy and permitting processes, enabling investment opportunities, and ensuring supply-chain development, including the safety of the workforce. An essential facet of this collaboration will be to enhance nature-inclusive designs and to engage local communities actively, thereby fostering a global community of practice dedicated to accelerating both established and emerging markets to deploy offshore wind technologies effectively.

In welcoming the UN Global Compact, Amisha Patel, Head of the GOWA Secretariat, shared her excitement, stating, "Mobilizing the private sector is essential to achieving our collective targets. The UN Global Compact brings a powerful platform for business leadership and practical tools to help countries and companies deliver offshore wind responsibly and with urgency."

The implications of this partnership extend beyond merely generating electricity; it represents a concerted effort to tackle climate change, ensure energy security globally, and create a more sustainable future. Offshore wind, noted for its potential for rapid scalability and influence, holds promise for economies worldwide. As this Coalition deepens its commitment within this alliance, it aims to facilitate a collaborative atmosphere where technological innovation, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic advancements go hand in hand.

As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, alliances such as GOWA become crucial in mobilizing resources and expertise to harness offshore wind energy effectively. With the combined strengths of the UN Global Compact Ocean Stewardship Coalition and the Global Offshore Wind Alliance, a new pathway toward sustainable development and energy transformation is being forged, one that could define the future of clean energy initiatives globally.