THE Our Ocean Conference was created with a simple but powerful ambition: to move the world from conversation to action for the ocean. Since its inception in 2014, the conference has mobilised governments, the private sector, civil society, and communities to make concrete, measurable commitments that protect ocean health while supporting sustainable development.
Over the past decade, Our Ocean has generated thousands of commitments worth billions of dollars, driving progress on marine protection, sustainable fisheries, climate action, pollution reduction, maritime security, and a thriving blue economy. What sets Our Ocean apart is its focus on delivery: commitments are tracked, reported, and held accountable.
In June 2026, Kenya will have the honour of hosting the Our Ocean Conference, welcoming the world to East Africa at a pivotal moment for ocean and climate action. For Kenya, hosting Our Ocean is both a responsibility and an opportunity to amplify African priorities, elevate community-led solutions, and help shape the next chapter of global ocean ambition.
Aims and Ambitions of Our Ocean
At its core, the Our Ocean Conference seeks to:
- Protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity, including through the expansion and effective management of marine protected areas;
- Advance sustainable fisheries and livelihoods, ensuring food security while restoring fish stocks;
- Tackle marine pollution, particularly plastics and land-based sources of waste;
- Strengthen maritime security and governance to combat illegal activities at sea;
- Harness the ocean–climate nexus, recognising the ocean’s role in mitigation, adaptation, and resilience;
- Unlock a sustainable blue economy, driven by innovation, investment, and inclusive growth.
Kenya’s hosting of Our Ocean 2026 is guided by these ambitions and shaped by our lived experience as a coastal and maritime nation, where our people, culture, and economy are deeply connected to the ocean.
Marine pollution, especially plastic pollution, is one of the most visible threats to ocean health. From microplastics entering food systems to macroplastic waste degrading coastlines and coral reefs, the consequences are profound.
Kenya will use Our Ocean 2026 to champion solutions that go beyond clean-ups, promoting circular-economy approaches, extended producer responsibility, innovation in materials, and stronger waste-management systems that prevent pollution at the source.
Expanding and Strengthening Marine Protected Areas
Achieving the global 30×30 target, protecting 30 per cent of the ocean by 2030, requires more than designation. It demands effective management, sustainable financing, and community partnership.
Kenya’s experience demonstrates that marine conservation succeeds when local communities are co-managers and beneficiaries. At Our Ocean, we will highlight pathways to scale marine protection in national waters and the High Seas, while ensuring conservation delivers livelihoods, resilience, and equity.
A healthy ocean depends on safe and well-governed seas. Maritime insecurity, including illegal fishing and other transnational crimes, undermines conservation, development, and regional stability.
Through Our Ocean 2026, Kenya will promote cooperation, technology, and capacity building to strengthen maritime domain awareness and uphold the rule of law at sea, particularly in regions most affected by illegal activities.
Advancing the Ocean-Climate Nexus
The ocean is central to the global climate system, yet climate change is placing unprecedented pressure on marine ecosystems and coastal communities. Sea-level rise, warming waters, and extreme weather events threaten lives and livelihoods across Africa.
Kenya will use the Our Ocean platform to advocate for ambitious ocean-based climate solutions, increased financing for adaptation, and stronger recognition of the ocean’s role in achieving global climate goals.
Africa’s blue economy holds immense potential for growth, jobs, and innovation, but only if development is sustainable and inclusive. Our Ocean Kenya 2026 will connect policymakers, investors, and innovators to scale responsible investment in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, renewable energy, tourism, and marine biotechnology.
Our ambition is a blue economy that creates opportunity while safeguarding natural capital for future generations.
Sustaining Fisheries and Empowering Communities
Sustainable fisheries are essential for food security and livelihoods, yet illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing continues to threaten stocks and economies. Kenya will elevate science-based management and community-led solutions as central pillars of ocean action.
Crucially, Our Ocean 2026 will champion a bottom-up approach, placing coastal communities, women, and youth at the heart of ocean governance. Their leadership is essential to translating global commitments into real, lasting impact.
The challenges facing the ocean are global, but solutions must be practical, inclusive, and rooted in partnership. As Kenya prepares to host the world, we invite all stakeholders to join us not only in making commitments, but in delivering them.
Our Ocean was founded on action. Kenya’s ambition is to ensure that Our Ocean 2026 accelerates progress for Africa, for the world, and for generations to come.
Hassan Ali Joho is Kenya’s Cabinet Minister for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs
