As World Ocean Day approaches, June 8, Monaco is emerging as a strategic crossroads of governance and the blue economy with two major events at the end of May. Public decision-makers, investors and scientists are expected to accelerate the move to action.
On May 27, 28 and 29, the Prince Albert II Foundation and the Oceanographic Institute will once again bring together the main international actors of the ocean around two events presented as complementary: the 17th edition of the Monaco Blue Initiative (MBI), followed by the 2nd edition of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF). Through the organization of these two events, the Principality aims to transform political commitments into concrete actions to advance discussions on ocean management and the financing of the blue economy.
If the ocean is now a key subject carried by states and international organizations, it remains today the least funded sustainable development goal. In this context, Monaco intends to play the role of a strategic platform to align public decisions and financial flows, an essential condition for the emergence of a sustainable blue economy.
This three-day sequence is based on an articulation between strategic thinking and operational implementation. The ambition displayed by the organizers is to create a continuum between international governance, capital mobilization and the deployment of concrete solutions. The main challenge is no longer so much scientific knowledge as the ability to take action. Today, the blockages are primarily political and economic, with financial flows still largely oriented towards activities harmful to marine ecosystems.
©JulienTawil
The Monaco Blue Initiative in strategic anchoring
Organized on May 27 at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, the Monaco Blue Initiative will bring together political, scientific, NGO, economic and financial actors in a deliberately restricted and informal format.
This think tank aims to promote a transversal dialogue on the main priorities of ocean governance, outside of traditional institutional frameworks. Among the topics at the heart of the exchanges are international priorities for the ocean after 2025, the implementation of the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ) or the issues related to marine protected areas.
The 2026 edition will also offer new collaborative formats, with workshops dedicated to the concrete implementation of international agreements, to accelerate the transition to action.
Mobilize capital and enhance the solutions of the blue economy
On May 28 and 29, head to the Grimaldi Forum which will host the second edition of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), a season 2 oriented towards the private sector and concrete action. In continuation of the success of the 2025 edition, which had mobilized €8.7 billion by 2030, the focus this year will be on the financing of the blue economy, the transition of maritime transport, sustainable food resources and innovation.
The program will be structured around several highlights, with high-level plenary sessions, a space dedicated to innovative startups, as well as many thematic workshops devoted in particular to finance, artificial intelligence or the decarbonization of maritime activities. The objective? Mobilize institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, family offices and large companies, while enhancing an ecosystem of innovative solutions in full expansion.
source : Tribuca.net
