IMPAC5, the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress, is a global forum that unites ocean conservation professionals and high-level officials to inform, inspire, and act on marine protected areas. The congress has been endorsed as an official United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (Ocean Decade) Action, led by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). During the week-long event, attendees engaged in productive discussions, captivating presentations, and inspiring keynote speeches. The Government of Canada and partners announced several significant initiatives throughout IMPAC5 to advance the health and protection of our oceans. The Leadership Forum emphasized the importance of global cooperation and the critical role of Indigenous-led conservation efforts in achieving marine conservation targets