The World Seabird Union (WSU) is committed to ensuring that all participants at the World Seabird Conference (WSC) experience a welcoming, safe, and respectful environment. The conference aims to be inclusive and free from harassment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, socio-economic background, religion, or career stage.

A respectful and supportive atmosphere is a core value of WSC and is fundamental to the advancement of seabird science and global marine conservation.

Expectations of Participants

To support a collaborative, inclusive, and professional conference environment, all participants are expected to read, understand, and comply with this Code of Conduct at all times during the event.

These expectations apply to all interactions, whether in person, online, or through written and verbal communication.

Participants are expected to:

• Treat all individuals with dignity, fairness, and respect
• Act in a professional, courteous, and responsible manner
• Maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and professional boundaries
• Contribute to discussions in a constructive, inclusive, and respectful way
• Engage openly while aiming for consensus, empathy, and mutual understanding
• Conduct business transparently and honestly, and honour commitments made in good faith
• Encourage equitable access to leadership, development, and engagement opportunities, and promote shared decision-making and access to information and resources
• Support the inclusion of diverse perspectives and encourage participation regardless of education level or professional experience
• Respect cultural differences, inform oneself of relevant norms and customs, and avoid behaviour that may be perceived as intimidating or disrespectful
• Listen to differing viewpoints with openness and seek to understand them
• Allow others to speak without interruption and ensure that all voices can be heard
• Disagree respectfully, focusing on ideas and issues rather than individuals
• Respect others’ time by meeting deadlines, arriving punctually, remaining engaged, and providing information in a timely manner

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours will not be tolerated under any circumstances:

• Harassment or bullying of any kind, including intimidation, coercion, repeated unwanted behaviour, or abuse of power
• Discriminatory, racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ageist, or ableist language, jokes, comments, or conduct
• Derogatory, dismissive, or exclusionary remarks directed at individuals or groups
• Disruptive behaviour that compromises a safe, respectful, or inclusive conference environment
• Bullying or harassment occurring in person, online, or via social media in connection with the conference

Consequences of Misconduct

Any individual found to be in breach of this Code of Conduct may be subject to one or more of the following actions:

• Immediate removal from the conference
• Exclusion from future WSU or affiliated events
• Removal from relevant memberships, committees, or working groups