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Launched in 2014 by the U.S. Department of State and former Secretary of State John Kerry, the Our Ocean Conference is a major international platform that unites governments, businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions to drive ocean-related action and ambition.
The conference focuses on six critical areas: marine protected areas, sustainable blue economy, climate change, maritime security, sustainable fisheries, and marine pollution. Since its inception, it has generated over 2,600 commitments valued at more than $160 billion, making it one of the most impactful global gatherings for ocean sustainability.
Tom Pickerell, Head of the Ocean Panel Secretariat and Global Director of World Resources Institute’s Ocean Program said:
“Kenya has long been an advocate and leader on ocean issues — as an active member of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy (Ocean Panel), the host of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and a pioneer in ambitious policies to tackle plastic pollution and foster a sustainable ocean economy.
“The Our Ocean Conference is a critical platform for mobilizing finance and catalyzing vital ocean action. In its first ten years, it has been an effective mechanism to further progress against multilateral agreements and encourage new announcements of marine protected areas. Our research shows that each successive conference has raised ocean ambitions both globally and regionally.
“As the first Our Ocean Conference to be held in Africa, Kenya will have the opportunity to draw global attention to the region’s priorities and challenges — ranging from ocean-climate resilience and sustainable fishing to maritime security, marine conservation, pollution and the sustainable ocean economy.
