Our Ocean Conference (OOC11)

The Our Ocean Conference focuses on addressing the key ocean issues of our time, including climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and pollution.

The annual conference convenes governments, NGOs, the private sector and the academic community to identify action-based solutions and make tangible commitments.

In 2026, Kenya will host the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa and Kilifi Counties on the vibrant Swahili Coast. As the first Our Ocean Conference held on African soil, the conference will place a global spotlight on ocean action and leadership across Africa and highlight the unique coastal communities, biodiversity, and ecosystems of Kenya and East Africa.

Guided by the theme “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future” the conference will focus on the essential role that the ocean plays in shaping culture, communities, and livelihoods. Under Kenya’s leadership, the eleventh Our Ocean Conference will unite governments, communities, innovators, and businesses to move the global ocean agenda from dialogue to delivery, placing jobs, equity, and healthy oceans at the center of international cooperation.

Reflecting Kenya’s role as a regional hub for ocean research, technological innovation and community-led ocean management, the 2026 conference will:

• engage the private sector and deliver investment in the sustainable blue economy
• empower and elevate young ocean leaders
• catalyze ocean finance
• collaboratively combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU)
• advance marine conservation and restoration efforts that deliver on both climate and 30×30 goals.

On June 15th, on the eve of OOC11, the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition and partners AUDA-NEPAD and WRI are organizing a High-Level African Blue Food Leadership Roundtable. The workshop will bring together senior policy makers across Africa to prepare announcement-ready commitments. The workshop will feature technical expertise and global case studies on leveraging blue foods in national policies and towards achieving global commitments. Following the workshop, we will host a dinner event, From Ocean to Plate A Culinary Innovation Showcase for Sustainable Oceans, highlighting the importance of linking consumption patterns to ocean sustainability and showcasing how innovation in blue foods can contribute to healthy people and healthy oceans.