Dubai: The Ministry of Climate Change & Environment has extended its patronage to Goumbook, a prominent social enterprise championing environmental causes in the UAE and beyond. Together with the Emirates Diving Association, they are set to host the groundbreaking MENA Oceans Summit. This landmark event aims to expedite comprehensive ocean action, safeguard and revive marine ecosystems, address the challenges of climate change, and foster sustainable blue economies. With the backing of influential partners, the summit promises to spearhead crucial advancements in ocean conservation and sustainable development.
Convening on World Oceans Day (8th June 2023), the two-day event will be engaging under four key streams – Blue Economy, Blue Governance, Blue Science and Blue Collective – The first MENA summit will bring together a diverse range of stakeholders including global leaders, key policymakers from governments, think tanks, research institutions and the private sector. This summit is the first step in the lead-up to COP28, which intends to set the tone and pace for ocean action through panel discussions, thematic workshops and the development of white papers documenting regional challenges, innovations and opportunities.
On day 2 (9th June 2023), the summit will also feature an inclusive educational and awareness platform for the larger community, to engage with the challenges facing our oceans and discuss creative solutions that can be effected at individual and community levels.
Conducted over two days, 8 & 9 June 2023, and across a series of presentations, panel discussions, and fireside chats, the summit organisers and attendees will tackle topics that include Ocean Action at COP28 and the Oceans 30×30 Agenda, regional conservation and restoration projects, enhancing ocean biodiversity, sustainable tourism and the oceans and food security among others.
Dr. Mohammed Al Hammadi, Assistant-Undersecretary of the Biodiversity and Marine Life Sector at the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, said: “As we approach the first MENA Oceans Summit, we recognize that our oceans are the lifeline of our planet. They not only contribute to economic development and food security, but also serve as natural climate regulators. Our collective efforts at this summit mark the beginning of a renewed commitment towards protecting our oceans, paving the way for impactful discussions at COP28.”
MENA Oceans 2023 is committed to being an inclusive platform, bringing together the widest cross-section of the ocean community from business and finance to governments, national and international policy-makers, civil society, and academia.