MENA Takes Centre Stage in furthering Multi Stakeholder Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economy Dialogues

MENA Takes Centre Stage in furthering Multi Stakeholder Ocean Conservation and Sustainable Blue Economy Dialogues

2nd Annual MENA Oceans Summit, a dedicated event bringing together thought leaders, decision makers and practitioners from government, private sector, researchers, and academia to discuss ocean health and blue economies.

• • Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change & Environment, opening address by HE Dr Mohammed AlHammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity sector

• Keynote Speaker HE Ms. Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, COP28 and IUCN President 

• A milestone event leading to United Nations Oceans Conference 2025, Nice France to map stakeholder priorities and roadmaps 

• Strategic Partners: Race to Zero, Race to Resilience, United Nations UAE Resident Coordinator Office, United Nations Oceans Conference 2025

• Summit Partners:  Fugro, DP World, Strategy&

• Knowledge Partners: Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), Gulf Women in Environmental Sciences (GWIES), Emirates Diving Association (EDA), Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Roland Berger, Global Shapers, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 05 June 2024: Goumbook, the leading social enterprise promoting sustainability and climate action across the region, is hosting its 2nd Annual MENA Oceans Summit at Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. 

The event will host a diverse range of stakeholders to discuss ocean health under 4 key pillars: Blue Economy, Blue Governance, Blue Science and Blue Collective to foster dialogue and collaborative action. 

This is a milestone event in the lead up to UNOC 2025, gathering regional perspectives; building on outcomes from the 2023 MENA Oceans summit and COP28.     

HE Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, COP28 and IUCN President highlights “By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the MENA Oceans Summit serves as a unique platform that helps advance our collective understanding and foster regional collaboration to address the key marine issues pertinent to the MENA region. It’s a crucial gathering that supports our ongoing environmental commitments and acknowledges the sea’s integral role in the cultural and economic fabric of our region.”

MENA Oceans Summit 2024 is under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, his HE Dr Mohammed AlHammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for Biodiversity sector, who is doing an opening address stated: “Marine ecosystems are integral to the social, cultural, and environmental tapestry of the UAE and continue to play a vital role in the nation’s economic development. The fisheries industry and aquaculture are important pillars of our economy, as well as a source of livelihood, biodiversity and food security. Therefore, conserving and protecting the seas is of paramount importance to us.

“The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is committed to driving action to tackle climate change and preserve ocean health. We are working to boost the regulatory, legislative, and financial frameworks to foster sustainable marine ecosystems and driving the nation’s blue economy.  

“The MENA Oceans Summit is a key platform for forging dialogue and facilitating collaboration among sectors, stakeholders, and policymakers. Sharing regional perspectives, experiences and best practices will contribute to discussions at the UN Ocean Conference next year and help forge meaningful action on a global level.”

Tatiana Antonelli Abella, Founder of Goumbook and Chair of MENA Oceans Summit, highlights “As a society, we must recognize our profound dependence on nature, which generously provides the resources essential for our survival, well-being, and prosperity. At the heart of this interconnected web lies the ocean—the cradle of life. Collaborating with nature and safeguarding our oceans is not just an option; it’s an imperative for the benefit of future generations. Responsible stewardship and collective action are urgent. Without a thriving ocean, humanity’s existence, health, and prosperity would be imperilled. As stewards of this precious resource, it is our duty to protect and preserve it. The ocean’s paramount importance underscores our shared responsibility in ensuring its health.”

The MENA Oceans Summit has two pivotal goals designed to reshape our engagement with ocean health on a global stage, Forging Cross-Border Collaboration for Targeted Solutions: Recognizing the intricate tapestry of challenges facing our oceans, MEAN Oceans Summit is committed to breaking down barriers and building bridges across geopolitical boundaries and sectoral silos. The event serves as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge among nations, industries, academia, and non-profits within the region. Through this concerted effort, we aim to co-create and implement solutions that are not only innovative but also deeply relevant to the regional context.

Cultivating and Elevating a Collective Regional Voice: At the heart of the Summit is the ambition to unify and amplify the voices of diverse stakeholder groups across the region. By fostering a strong, collective regional presence, the initiative aims to significantly enhance our influence and participation in international efforts dedicated to ocean conservation. This strategic alignment of regional perspectives seeks not only to assert our stance but also to ensure that our unique insights and needs are adequately represented in the global dialogue on ocean health.

Talia Sherrard, Regional Director Strategic Sales and Marketing, Middle East and India, FUGRO a summit partner mentions, “The future of our oceans depends on our ability to innovate and collaborate. By embracing the latest advancements in Geo-data and fostering partnerships across sectors, we can achieve a profound impact on ocean health and sustainability in the MENA region and beyond.”

A key feature of the summit will be industry deep dives, round table strategic discussions with key stakeholders across industry value chains. These deep dives will identify challenges, innovations and opportunities that could turn the tide for the sector’s impact on ocean ecosystems. 

Insights and the outcome papers will capture key insights from across Summit and deep dive sessions to feed into discussion with key partners in the lead up to UNOC 2025. 

DP World who are convening the shipping and maritime deep dive highlights, “At DP World, we are committed to fostering healthy and resilient marine ecosystems through innovative solutions and strong partnerships for ocean restoration and protection. The MENA Oceans Summit is a vital platform for promoting cross-border collaboration and advancing action towards ocean health globally. We are proud to support this event, which aligns with our dedication to a sustainable blue economy. Together, we can forge a future where marine ecosystems thrive and contribute to global prosperity.” – Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem – Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DP World 

Strategy& are convening the MENA Conservation Projects and Blue Tech deep dive. Menelaos Megariotis, Principal, Energy, Resources and Sustainability, Strategy&, says, “Oceans combine unique environmental importance, scientific potential, and cultural significance, necessitating a multi-stakeholder rally for their exploration and conservation. MENA Oceans is set to enable this crucial collaboration, and Strategy& is proud to be at the forefront of this effort, building upon our extensive focus on the region’s ocean exploration and conservation.”

Roland Berger, a knowledge partner who supporting the summit outcome paper “In the discussion around ocean conservation, the blue economy plays a central role in promoting sustainable growth and innovation. It is crucial for us to prioritize the integration of advanced technologies and innovative practices to preserve and enhance our marine resources. This approach necessitates strong collaboration between the public and private sectors, leveraging their unique strengths and perspectives. By focusing on regional needs and contributing to the global dialogue, our goal is to drive solutions that have a significant impact locally and resonate globally. Embracing this strategy ensures that ocean conservation efforts are focused on both protection and pioneering new possibilities to sustain and expand the blue economy.” Hani Tohme, Managing Partner and Head of Sustainability, Roland Berger Middle East.

This Summit marks the beginning of the next phase in which the MENA Oceans Network will be activated, leveraging the momentum accumulated since the 2023 SUmmit and action for Oceans at COP28. The network is designed to accomplish the following objectives:

1. Elevate awareness about the region’s unique marine environments and the particular challenges encountered in our region.

2. Cultivate partnerships that generate synergies and support the progression of innovative solutions.

3. Strengthen the region’s collective voice and extend our influence, with the aim of disseminating solutions that hold potential benefits for the global community.

The MENA Oceans Initiative, network, and summit stand out for their regional focus, interdisciplinary approach, emphasis on innovation and technology, community engagement, policy advocacy, education and awareness, and commitment to partnerships and collaboration. This comprehensive approach enables the initiative to address complex ocean challenges and drive positive change in the MENA region and beyond.

Background

A key outcome from last year’s MENA Oceans Summit was the establishment of the MENA Oceans Initiative. This initiative was born out of key discussions, highlighting the pressing need for a regional platform dedicated to enhancing cooperation across research, private sector and government bodies. The Initiative is dedicated to amplifying and aligning the priorities of MENA stakeholders on a global scale during discussions at the forthcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference and UNFCCC COP29, among other international dialogues.

Following the inaugural MENA Oceans Summit 2023, Goumbook, during COP28, announced the MENA Oceans Network, a key pillar under the MENA Oceans initiative.  The MENA Oceans Initiative comprises 4 pillars:  the Summit, the Network, Education and Science.

Goumbook has a strong track record in driving environmental initiatives and promoting sustainable practices in the MENA region through impactful partnerships. 

For more information and to register for the MENA Oceans Summit, please visit www.menaoceanssummit.com. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MENAOceansSummit.

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ABOUT GOUMBOOK 

Born in 2009, Goumbook is the leading social enterprise promoting sustainable living and green practices in the UAE and beyond. We shape the global sustainability landscape by offering local solutions to corporates, youth, civil society, and the public sector. We raise awareness, run initiatives, advise and consult to change mindsets and create impact on the current and future living experience of the people in our region.